Design your own helmet as you learn bike safety this week at The Children’s Museum of Phoenix. Art Studio Manager John Bomhoff shares instructions.

Ages: 5 and above.

Materials:
Bike helmet or pictures of one
White drawing or Xerox paper
Colored pencils or markers

Instructions:

Help your child draw the outline of a bike helmet on paper while looking at a real one or pictures of bike helmets.

Using colored pencil or markers, have them customize their helmet with drawings or designs.

TEACHABLE MOMENT

This project introduces the child to the world of commercial art. Tell your children that companies hire designers to design bike helmets that are not only safe but are also attractive to buyers. You might also introduce them to the word customize, a verb meaning “to change something making it exactly right for you.” In addition, since we are emphasizing “Safety” this month at the museum, you might also want to review with your child the following bike safety tips from the Department of Transportation. Also, this would be a good time to help your child inspect their bike to make sure it is in good working order.

1. Choose a bike helmet that fits snugly now; not a helmet to grow into.

2. Check your bike before riding, making sure the tires are inflated properly and the brakes work.

3. Adjust your bike to fit you. When standing over the bicycle there should be 1 to 2 inches between you and the top bar, if using a road bike, and 3 to 4 inches if a mountain bike.

4. Wear bright or fluorescent colors to be seen by drivers. Avoid riding at night.

5. Watch out for road hazards (potholes, broken glass, puddles, etc.).

6. Go with the traffic flow and obey all traffic laws.

7. Be alert. Look before turning and watch for parked cars pulling out into the road.

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.

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