Patriotic pom-poms

Create this patriotic craft to celebrate the 4th of July this week at The Children’s Museum of Phoenix. Art Studio Manager John Bomhoff shares instructions.

Ages: preschool (with help) and above.

Materials:

2” x 2” squares of red, white, and blue tissue paper
Drinking straws cut in half
Glue stick or scotch tape
Scissors

Instructions:

Take red, white, and blue squares of tissue paper.

Hold them together and cut short slits in one end.

Tape or glue the straight edges of the tissue papers to the end of a drinking straw.
Wave that pom-pom!

TEACHABLE MOMENT

“Patriotic pom-poms” are a great way to get your July 4^th celebration off to a fun-filled start. It is a simple, no-mess project that any age would enjoy. In addition to highlighting this important holiday, we are also focusing on “safety.” Since the Arizona legislature has passed a bill allowing Arizonans to buy, sell, and use fireworks, we are using this occasion to pass along some “Fireworks Safety Tips.”

The Arizona bill permits sparklers, ground spinners, and toy smoke devices. It does not permit anything intended to rise or explode in the air. In addition each city can regulate the use of fireworks within their boundaries. So, it is important to check the regulations of the city you live in. When using fireworks at home, the following safety tips should be followed:

Keep fireworks stored in a cool, dry space.
Only use fireworks approved by your city.
Only use fireworks as intended. Do not alter them or use homemade devices.
Never give fireworks to small children. Only persons over age 12 should be allowed to use sparklers.
Never throw or point fireworks at other people.
Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and disposing them in your trash can.

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.