Lesson Plan Title : Creating Packing Tape Casts

Age Range: Grade 9 through grade 12 (High School)

Overview and Purpose: In this activity students use packing tape to create casts of objects. They apply several layers of tape around an object. When the object is removed, the tape holds its shape and creates a cast or mold of the object.

Objective: The student will be able to create casts of common objects using multiple layers of packing tape.

Resources:

Several rolls of packing tape

Blunt-tipped scissors

Activities:

Have the students cast different objects using packing tape. They should work in sections to wrap an object with tape. The first layer is smooth-side down and the next three or four layers will be sticky-side down. (If the tape is put sticky-side down first, it will not come off the object easily.) When a section of the object (or the whole object depending on the size) is wrapped in tape, a seam can be created using the blunt-tipped scissors and the tape removed. The seams should be taped back up and sections taped together to create a cast of the object.

Wrap Up:

Encourage students to be creative in the objects they cast. Ask them to bring stuffed animals from home or use common household items like a vacuum cleaner. More advanced or adventurous students might want to try casting each other.