One-Of-A-Kind Marbling

One-Of-A-Kind Marbling

Topic: Creating a Unique Marbled Item

Empowerment Video: Find Your Spark

Basic Supplies:

  • White cotton cloth or paper
  • Marbling inks in a variety of colors
  • Toothpicks
  • Access to a sink or running water
  • Large cup to hold and pour water
  • Tray to hold water and paper
  • Plastic sheeting, large plastic garbage bags, aluminum pans, or another method to protect the tables or ground
  • Paper towels to clean up as needed
  • Plastic gloves or aprons, optional to protect students’ skin and clothing

Video Discussion:

Ask, “If someone told you to “find your spark,” what would that mean?”

Direct students to turn and talk to a partner. Then bring the class together to discuss students’ ideas.

Ensure students understand that “finding your spark” means discovering your passions or things you enjoy.

After watching the video Find Your Spark, ask students to work together to summarize the 2-3 main pieces of advice from the video.

Use some or all of the following questions to discuss the video content:

  • What is your “spark”? How do you know?
  • If you’re not sure what passions you have, how might you discover them?
  • One role model gave listeners the advice to “never close a door”. What does this advice mean to you? How could keeping doors open help you discover your passions?
  • Have you ever discovered a passion you didn’t expect? Explain your answer.

Activity Instructions:

Students will be creating a unique marbled piece to symbolize their unique passions and skills.

Every person has a different set of passions, skills, and talents. This makes each person unique and one-of-a-kind. A marbled pattern is similar! Depending on the colors you choose, and the places and amount of ink you apply, your marbled piece will be completely unique.

No one else has the same set of passions, skills, and talents that you do and no one else will have the exact same marbled item either!

  1. Fill the tray with water.
  2. Carefully drop different colors of ink into water in different areas.
  3. Use a toothpick to slowly move the ink around in the water.
  4. Gently lay the paper or fabric on top of the water.
  5. Gently peel the paper or fabric up and lay to dry.
  6. Share your unique design!