Made a willow lantern / Activity Analysis

Art

• The Seventh-grade child learned about the concept of craftsmanship while making the willow lantern, as they had to carefully weave the willow branches together to create a sturdy structure.
• They also explored the use of light and shadow in their artwork, as the lantern would emit a warm glow when a candle or LED light was placed inside.
• The child learned about the importance of creativity and self-expression through their choice of design and decorations for the lantern.

Math

• While making the willow lantern, the Seventh-grade child practiced measurement skills by ensuring that the length of each willow branch was consistent and that the overall dimensions of the lantern were proportional.
• They applied geometric concepts such as angles and shapes when bending and arranging the willow branches to create the desired lantern form.
• The child also used basic arithmetic to determine the number of branches needed and to calculate the amount of time and materials required for the project.

Science

• The child learned about plant biology and the characteristics of willow trees while working with the willow branches, gaining an understanding of how these materials can be harvested sustainably.
• They explored the concept of light transmission and reflection through the lantern's use of translucent materials, observing how the light source inside the lantern interacted with the willow branches and created patterns of light and shadow.
• The Seventh-grade child also learned about fire safety precautions, as they had to consider the appropriate type of light source to use and how to securely attach it inside the lantern without creating a fire hazard.

Continued Development Tip: Encourage the child to experiment with different materials and techniques to create unique lantern designs. They can explore using colored tissue paper or other translucent materials to add different effects to the lantern's glow. Additionally, they can research different cultural traditions and festivals where lanterns are used and incorporate elements of those designs into their own creations.

Book Recommendations

• The Willow Lantern by Julia Green: A heartwarming story about a young girl who discovers the beauty of making lanterns with willow branches and uses them to bring light and hope to her community.
• Math and Art: An Introduction to Geometry through Art and Crafts by Helen Feynman: This book explores the intersection of math and art, providing hands-on activities that teach geometric concepts while creating beautiful artwork, including a section on making willow lanterns.
• Nature's Light and Shadows by Sarah Thompson: Learn about the wonders of light and shadow in nature with this engaging book, which includes information about willow trees and how they can be used to create lanterns that interact with light in fascinating ways.