Spheres in Space

Learning how to turn a circle into a sphere can be lots of fun if you use an outer space theme. 1. Die cut presses and heavy mat board were invaluable for making quick circle templates. I created 2" and 3" templates with circles cut out of the middle so students could easily see and trace five to seven 3" circles in pencil on a black sheet of paper. Encourage students to draw some circles that go off the paper to add more interest.
2. Using chalk pastels, each circle is to be colored in with one main color.
3. Explain briefly the idea that there is a source of light (like a big sun) shining on these planets. The students need to decide where their sun is in relationship to their planets. If the sun is off the page to the right, as on this example, they should use a white chalk pastel and color a curved shape on the right side of the circle. Then an opposite black shadow curve needs to go on the opposite side. After coloring as shown in the diagram, show the students how to blend the edges together. There should be no hard edge between the colors when they are done. 4. Oval rings and tiny stars may be added as a final step.