Traffic Light Craft
Learn how the addition of a third color to the common traffic light has saved numerous lives as we learn more about this invention and its black inventor, Garrett Morgan. Garrett Morgan designed the three position traffic light, which tells us when to stop (red), when to slow down (yellow) and when to go (green). Garrett Morgan lived in Cleveland, Ohio where he witnessed a terrible car accident. As the traffic problems got worse, he knew he needed to solve the problem. He had an idea for a device that would tell cars and people when to stop and when to go. The traffic light has saved millions of lives all around the world. Garrett Morgan saw a problem and used his creative thinking to come up with a solution. He was a problem solver.
MATERIALS
- Black, red, yellow, and green construction paper
- Round lid, approximately 3”
- Glue
- Child-friendly scissors
- Crayons or something to write with
- Ruler
TRY IT!
- Using the round lid, trace a circle on the red, yellow, and green construction papers.
- Cut out each circle.
- Cut the black construction paper into a large rectangle (5″ wide by 10″ long).
- Glue the circles to the black rectangular construction paper. Red on top (stop), yellow in the middle (slow), and green at the bottom (go).
GUIDING QUESTIONS
- What colors are you using? What does each color mean on the stop light?
- What shape is this?
- What things do you see that are round?
- Can you find other shapes?
LEARNING BEHIND THE PLAY
- Supports math skills by recognizing different shapes and measuring length and the size of materials.
- Strengthens hand muscles by using scissors and crayons.
- Develops self-regulation skills by waiting for glue to dry.
TAKE IT FURTHER
Teach your child how to stay safe on the street. Go on a neighborhood walk, how many traffic lights do you see? How do traffic lights keep us safe? What other traffic signs do you see? How do they help us stay safe?