Apple Sun Catchers Leader GuideApple Sun Catchers Autumn Art & Light Exploration Session Time 60 MIN Afterschool Leaders Art & Science Lesson Objective Students will create colorful apple-shaped sun catchers to explore how light interacts with translucent materials and observe the beauty of autumn colors through creative expression. Materials Checklist Clear contact paper Multi-color tissue paper Apple templates Scissors & Markers Hole punch String or yarn Delivery Roadmap 1 10m The Golden Hour: Introduction Welcome students and explain the activity: creating apple-shaped sun catchers. Discuss the significance of apples in autumn and how sun catchers brighten up a room. Show examples of completed sun catchers to inspire creativity. 2 10m Gathering the Harvest: Preparation Distribute clear contact paper and tissue paper to each student. Provide scissors, markers, and apple-shaped templates. Explain how to safely handle scissors and use the templates for tracing. 3 30m The Orchard Workshop: Creation Phase A: The Shell Trace and cut the apple shape from contact paper. Ensure the shape is symmetrical and clean. Phase B: The Pulp Peel back the film. Layer small, torn pieces of tissue paper onto the sticky surface. Phase C: The Seal Apply the second piece of contact paper on top to seal the design. Trim any overhang. Phase D: Hanging Punch a hole at the top and thread yarn through it. Tie a knot for easy hanging. 4 10m Reflection & Lighting Have students share their completed sun catchers with the group. Facilitate a discussion on what they enjoyed and what was challenging. Science Connection: Discuss how light passes through the "translucent" tissue paper. Leader Tip: Color Overlap Encourage students to overlap different colors of tissue paper (like red and yellow). When held up to the light, they will see new colors appear! This is a great way to introduce primary and secondary colors in a hands-on way.
Apple Sun Catcher Templates WorksheetApple Sun Catcher Templates Trace, Sketch, and Create! NAME: DATE: 1. Tracing Templates Use these shapes to trace your apple onto the clear contact paper. Choose the size that fits your idea best! Large Template Small Template 2. Design Your Sun Catcher Sketch your design here. What colors will you use? Will you make a pattern or use random pieces of tissue paper? Artist Tip: Try tearing the tissue paper into different sizes! Small pieces are great for detail, and big pieces can fill up the center quickly.
Apple Sun Catcher Reflection WorksheetArtistic Reflection Thinking about your Apple Sun Catcher creation NAME: DATE: What did you enjoy most about making your sun catcher? Think about the colors, patterns, and how it felt to work with the materials. What was the most challenging part of this activity? Was it the cutting, the peeling, or choosing where to put the colors? How does the light interact with your sun catcher? What do you observe when you hold it up to a window? What happens when colors overlap?
Autumn Glow SlidesApple Sun Catchers Capturing Autumn Light What is a Sun Catcher? A piece of art that hangs in a window to "catch" the sunlight. It uses translucent materials that let light pass through! Imagine colors glowing in your window! How to Make Yours 1 Trace Use the template to trace your apple on contact paper. 2 Decorate Peel the paper and stick colorful tissue pieces inside. 3 Seal Cover with another piece of contact paper to lock it in. 4 Hang Punch a hole, add string, and find a sunny window! Reflection Time "How does the light interact with your colors?" "What was your favorite part of the process?" "What new colors appeared when you overlapped paper?"
