Creating and Building with Packing Peanuts
Creating and and building with packing peanuts is a simple activity I can’t wait to tell you more about in this post.
I didn’t realize you could create with packing peanuts until I saw the idea in action at our local art center.
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We had taken our oldest to an open-art event, and it was one of the sensory tables set up for the kids.
Look at my Caleb when he was a little bitty boy – Be still my heart!
How to Set Up this Simple STEM Activity
To set up this simple hands-on exploration activity, provide:
- a batch of biodegradable packing peanuts – I’ve been told the foam peanuts don’t work like these that are made of corn starch.
- a small container of water
Where to Find these Little Peanuts
Over the years, anytime I spot a layer of packing peanuts in a shipment I receive, I make plans to do this activity the next day.
It’s such a great way to recycle packaging materials – and definitely a lot of fun!
So the next time a package arrives at your house, keep an eye out for the chance to set up this no-cost sensory bin activity.
Not sure any of these little peanuts are going to come your way anytime soon? Or maybe you’re looking for a larger amount to use in a classroom setting? You can actually purchase them in bulk on Amazon.
Remember to use the biodegradable kind – not the Styrofoam packing peanuts.
How to Build and Create with these Packing Nuts
Now it’s time to play and build!
- Simply dip the end of a peanut in the water.
- Then press the damp tip against another packing peanut.
Too much water is going to result in a mess – broken down peanuts that aren’t great for building.
The goal is damp packing peanuts – not soggy ones.
If you’re like me, you see an idea like this and think fine motor skills!
Activities like this are a fun way to work on some of those important developmental skills.
Free Play: An Exploratory Activity
When my once-little guy was first introduced to this activity at the art center, it was offered as a free play activity.
I love when kids are provided with materials and gifted with the freedom to create whatever they choose!
He was encouraged to build a “snow sculpture”. A little example was offered (as you can see in the photo), but he was free to build whatever he wanted to build.
STEM Activity: A Specific Assignment
While free builds are always fun, this activity can also be used when providing students with a specific building assignment.
We have used this idea for building igloos.
This is an easy idea, because the peanuts are white, already looking like ice!
Maybe it’s the cold winter months, and you’re looking for fun winter-themed STEM ideas.
Or maybe your students are learning about different kinds of homes – a unit you may be exploring with them any time of year.
I’ve seen this idea done with students used a small bowl to help provide shape to the dome portion of their igloo.
More Wonderful Structures to Build
What other creations could the students in your life build?
For older kids, provide them a photo of a famous landmark and challenge them to create!
- Would they enjoy trying to create the Leaning Tower of Pisa?
- How about the Roman Coliseum?
- The Statue of Liberty could be a fun one!
- Would they like to try the Eiffel Tower?
- Or maybe the White House!
This can work well as an individual activity or a creative partner or team-building exercise.
Once the builds are dry, they can be painted! (Be sure to choose the paint carefully – you don’t want to apply water to the builds once they’ve dried.)
I can’t wait to hear about your packing peanut creations!
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