Lesson Plan Title : Sharpie Shirts

Age Range: Grade 6 through grade 8

Overview and Purpose: Students observe the idea of disbursement during this lesson. Traditional tye-dye ink is exchanged for the Sharpie marker in this fun t-shirt activity.

Objective: The student will be able to use different colored Sharpie markers to create designs on a t-shirt.

Resources:

Rubbing alcohol

Rubber bands

Variety of colored Sharpie markers

Flat piece of wood or foam board

One t-shirt per student

Activities:

Have the students put rubber bands around different parts of their shirt. They should then draw a dot on the fabric within the rubber band and dip it in the rubbing alcohol. A small amount of both the Sharpie ink and the alcohol is all that is needed. As the alcohol spreads through the fabric, it will take the ink with it. The board is used to keep the front and the back of the shirt separate until the ink dries. Using a hot dryer or iron will set the ink and the shirt will be ready to wear.

Wrap Up:

This is a great end of the year activity. After the students create their shirts, they can use the Sharpie markers to sign each other's shirts as a memento of the school year. You might want to provide a few scrap pieces of t-shirt material for students to practice on.