Shrinky Dink - STEAM Lesson

STEAM activities use hands-on learning—like building, experimenting, and exploring—to boost critical thinking and creativity. For children and siblings facing pediatric cancer, these activities are more than just schoolwork; they bring back a feeling of normalcy, success, and confidence during a difficult time.

STEAM education helps kids learn vital skills, connect with others, and have fun! These at-home STEAM activities let children and siblings facing pediatric cancer explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math in a fun, comfortable setting.

‍

Age Group Best Served: K-8

Child/Adult Ratio: 6 to 1

Take Away Artifact: Yes

Approximate time: 30 minutes

Divisions Covered: All

‍

Materials:

Shrinky Dink Plastic (for best results) or #6 plastic, heat gun

‍

Question to ask:

Why does a shrinky dink shrink?

‍

Skills Required for Completion of Task:

Motor skills

• Bilateral upper extremity coordination
• Ability to manipulate small objects
• Hand-eye coordination
• Ability to grip objects
• Ability to stabilize objects/task

‍

Process/Cognitive skills

• Ability to attend to task for greater than 5 minutes
• Follow multi-step directions
• Ability to sequence steps
• Ability to understand safety precaution
• Ability to organize or keep materials organized for task
• Ability to adjust to different workspace requirements

‍

Social skills

• Ability to communicate and share equipment with peers/staff appropriately

‍

K-8 Standards:

5.NF.B.5 Interpret multiplication as scaling (resizing).

‍

Simple Science:

When #6 (polystyrene) plastic is created, it is heated, flattened, and cooled quickly so that the molecules are “frozen” far apart. When the plastic is quickly heated it shrinks back to having the molecules close together. Shrinky Dinks can shrink down to 20% of their original size. (A 5-foot-tall person would shrink to a 1-foot-tall person)

‍

This activity would be appropriate completed by the following disciplines:

Occupational Therapy, LCSW, Family Services, Industrial Arts

‍

Instructions:

Choose a template and color or create your own design and color on the textured side of the Shrinky Dink plastic. Cut out your image. Using the heat gun, shrink your design to 20% of its original size. If you wish to create a necklace or bracelet, punch a hole in your design before shrinking.

‍

Precaution: Heat gun is HOT. Use caution.

‍

‍

The Austin Hatcher Foundation is a nationally recognized leader in psycho-oncology care, providing innovative, evidence-based services for families facing pediatric cancer. Through a holistic approach, the Foundation supports the emotional, mental, and social well-being of children, siblings, and parents—ensuring families have the resources to heal and thrive during and after treatment. 

Through programs like STEAM Club and at-home resources like these, we encourage creativity, build confidence, and strengthen connections through hands-on learning. To learn more about our programs or to request comprehensive support, visit https://www.hatcherfoundation.org/resources/request-an-appointment