Baby rattlesnakes

Create a your own baby rattlesnake as you learn desert safety this week at The Children’s Museum of Phoenix. Art Studio Manager John Bomhoff shares instructions.

Ages: preschool and above.

Materials:

6” x 6” piece of brown construction paper
Scissors
Markers, crayons, or oil pastels
Glitter

Instructions:

Take a square of construction paper and cut about an inch off the four points. It will look like a stop sign.

Start at one edge with a marker and draw a spiral shape until you end in the center of the paper.

Starting at the edge, cut on the line forming the spiral, never cutting through the paper, just around and around until you reach the center.

Use the markers, crayons, or oil pastels to draw a face on the head and to decorate the body of the snake. If making a Diamondback Rattler, draw diamond shapes on the back and a rattle on the tail.

If you wish, add glitter for a little sparkle.

TEACHABLE MOMENT

Baby Rattlesnake by Lynn Moroney is a wonderful story about snakes, which can be used as a motivation to begin this project. Based on a Native American legend told by renowned storyteller Te Ata, it is the tale of a baby rattlesnake who gets something before he is mature enough to handle it. Since June is “Safety” month at the museum, this is an opportune time to review the following desert safety tips:

1. Drink extra water before hiking and take plenty of water with you.

2. Hike with another person, let people know where you are going, and stay on defined trails.

3. Carry a first-aid kit and a map.

4. Beware of animals that can hurt you (snakes, scorpions, spiders, and stinging insects). Do not tease any animal.

5. Wear heavy boots and pants if hiking through snake territory.

6. Do not put hands or feet in dark or shady areas where critters can hide.

About the Children’s Museum of Phoenix

The mission of the Children’s Museum of Phoenix is to engage the minds, muscles and imaginations of children and the grown-ups who care about them. With hands-on, interactive exhibits designed for children ages birth to 10, the Museum focuses on learning through play, with emphasis on early childhood education and school-readiness.

The Children’s Museum of Phoenix is located at 215 N. 7th St. in downtown Phoenix, at the southeast corner of Seventh Street and Van Buren in the historic Monroe School Building. In 2011, it was named one of the “10 Best Children’s Museums” by Parents magazine.