Binocular Craft

This is a great activity for kids ages 2 and up.

Once the binoculars are made, go outside and explore nature. The point of this activity is all about getting kids outside to discover the wonder of nature and to get a bit of exercise. Take a pad and pencil with you to keep count of all the birds you find.

You can even go to the library or research birds online before and after the activity or while the glue is drying. This exploration will begin to help you identify the different species of birds that you find in your neighborhood or in the park.

Materials:
Paper Towel Tubes or 2 Bathroom Tissue Holders
A piece of Cardboard that is about 2" by 3"
Black Construction Paper
Scissors, Tape and Glue
A Rubber Band

Optional Detail:
Silver Paper Band or Aluminum Foil to give the illusion of an expandable lens. You can also use a patterned paper from a Magazine or Catalogue.

Here's what you do:
Cut the paper towel tube in half or just use the bathroom tissue holders.

Cut a piece of black paper to cover the surface of each tube, glue and allow to dry for about 15 minutes.

If you would like to use the silver paper detail, make sure the paper you cut fits all the way around the tube.

Then glue in place and allow to dry.

Take the small 2" x 3" piece of cardboard and cover in black paper. When it is dry, cut two slits from the 3" side approximately 2" long so that you can slide the two tubes into the slits at the top of the binoculars where it can hold the binoculars together.

Glue and allow to dry.

You can also use a rubber band to hold the two tubes together. Once the rubber band is on the binoculars, you can cover it in black or silver paper.

Kids can glue a special picture or some stickers to their own tube to customize them.

The Monocular:
If you run short on paper towel tubes for the craft, you can even make a single monocular.

If you make a monocular tube, just cover a tube in black construction paper.