Static Butterfly - 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.

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Age Group Best Served: K-3

Child/Adult Ratio: 6 to 1

Take Away Artifact: Yes

Approximate time: 30-40 minutes

Divisions Covered: All

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Materials:

Balloon (blown up), cardboard, glue stick, googly eyes, tissue paper, construction paper, pipe cleaners and scissors.

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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

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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

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Social skills

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

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K-8 Standards:

2.PS3: Energy 2) Make observations and conduct experiments to provide evidence that friction produces heat and reduces or increases the motion of an object.

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Simple Science:

When the balloon is energized with friction the electrons are searching for more electrons to attract. Tissue paper has very little mass and is attracted to the balloon.

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This activity would be appropriate completed by the following disciplines:

Occupational Therapy, LCSW, Family Services

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Instructions:

Provide students with balloon (blown up) cardboard, glue stick, googly eyes, tissue paper, construction paper, pipe cleaners and scissors. Cut a body and head for the butterfly using construction paper and glue to the cardboard.  Add eyes and antennae to the head.  Using tissue paper cut out wings and attach them to the body.  When the butterfly is dry, energize the balloon on your head or shirt and use it to lift the wings and fly from the surface of the cardboard.  

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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