Ages school-age
Who says you can’t have both brains and looks? This backpack not only looks awesome, it’s like a walking laboratory. And with its attached chalkboard, you’re always prepared to jot down some formulas, make some scientific breakthroughs, or maybe just play a game of hangman. Hey, even geniuses need a little play time.
What you'll need
- Backpack
- Periodic Table of Elements
- Small felt pieces in two colors
- 6” x 9” photo frame
- Adhesive chalkboard paper
- Holographic eyeglasses
- Decoupage glue
- Fabric glue
- Binder clips
How to make it
1. First you’ll need a Periodic Table of Elements. You can create your own by printing the symbols and numbers on colored paper on your home printer. Size the letters so that each element box is about three inches wide. And you won’t need the whole table, as there’s only room for about fifteen to twenty elements.
2. Apply the Periodic Table of Element boxes along the side of the backpack with decoupage glue. Using a foam brush, paint the decoupage glue on the back of the paper, stick the paper to the backpack, and then apply decoupage glue over the top to seal the paper. If you’ve printed out a whole row of elements, it’s still best to cut them up into smaller pieces, as they’re easier to decoupage that way.
3. Adhesive chalkboard paper works best when it’s applied to a stiff surface, so we’re not sticking it directly onto the backpack. Instead, apply the chalkboard paper to the backing of a picture frame, and then slide this backing into the frame. For the chalkboard to work correctly, prepare the surface by rubbing chalk dust all over it with your fingers.
4. Clip the chalkboard frame onto the pocket of the backpack with binder clips.
5. Cut circles and lines out of felt to make molecules and bonds. Glue them on the backpack with fabric glue.
6. A pair of holographic glasses with x-ray vision becomes a zipper pull showing off your staggering intelligence. Plus, they’re the perfect thing to wear when you accept your prize at the science fair.
Crafts
