Balloon-Print Art
Goal: 
Show how Earth has changed from a molten planet to the life-filled world we live on today, using balloon-print techniques to represent each phase.

Phases of Earth to Depict

• Molten Earth (Just after formation – ~4.5 billion years ago)
  • Colors: Reds, oranges, black
  • Notes: Hot, fiery surface with constant volcanic activity
• Cooling Crust
  • Colors: Dark brown, gray, black with hints of red
  • Notes: First crust forming, still unstable and broken
• Water World
  • Colors: Deep blues and lighter grays
  • Notes: Oceans form from atmospheric condensation; mostly water-covered
• Early Atmosphere & First Life
  • Colors: Blue with green and white streaks
  • Notes: Cyanobacteria begin photosynthesizing, adding oxygen to the atmosphere
• Modern Earth
  • Colors: Blue, green, white, and brown
  • Notes: Continents, weather patterns, life—our planet as we know it

Instructions
Prep the Paper
Give learner(s) 5 pieces of paper (or one large paper divided into 5 sections).

• Balloon Printing
• For each version of Earth:
• Use different paint colors for each stage.
• Press the balloon onto paint and stamp into the designated space.
• Blend or layer paints to show transitions (e.g., swirling red and orange for molten Earth, swirling blue for oceans).
• Details & Labels (optional, lvl 2)
• Once dry, learners use markers to add:
• Names and descriptions for each phase
• Arrows or timeline labels
• Simple icons like volcanoes, clouds, continents, or microbes

Optional Extension
Mount all versions on a poster board or fold into a booklet titled “The Changing Earth.”

Tips:

• Half-inflate balloons— easier to handle.
• Use sturdy paper or canvas for better paint absorption.
• Recycling concept: leftover prints can be turned into cards!