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Grades K–5

Build for the Silhouettes

by Heidi BarberDistrict Educational Technology SpecialistGoldsboro, NC

Bring silhouette figures to life by building Clixo details around them.

Download PDF Grades K–5
A student adds Clixo pieces to life-size silhouettes on a yellow wall
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Activity Overview

Building challenge for learners to add details and stories to silhouette figures on a magnetic surface

Objective

Design builds that fit a figure and help tell its story

Total Time

45 mins

Grade Level

Grades K–5

Group Size

Individuals or groups (2–4)

Topics

Design Thinking

Skills

  • Spatial reasoning
  • Creative storytelling
  • Problem-solving
  • Fine motor skills
  • Explaining and justifying design choices

Materials

Before the Activity: Make the Silhouettes

15–20 minutes

Teacher or student prep.

Create silhouette outlines using one of these methods, tracing with chalk or a white crayon so the lines show on black paper:

  • Floor tracing: Lay black paper on the floor. A student lies on the paper in an action pose (kicking, running, jumping). A partner or teacher traces around their body.
  • Shadow tracing: Tape black paper to a wall. Shine a projector light at the wall. A student stands between the light and the paper in an action pose, and a partner traces their shadow. Move the student closer to the paper for a smaller silhouette, farther away for a larger one.
  • Image tracing: Tape black paper to a wall. Project a sports or action silhouette image onto the paper and trace the outline.
  • Cut out each silhouette.
  • Tape silhouettes to the magnetic surface.

Setup options

  • Magnetic wall: Mounted life-size silhouettes for whole-group building.
  • Alternate magnetic surfaces: Doors, lockers, filing cabinets, storage cabinets, easels, cookie sheets, or metal trays. Size silhouettes to fit the surface.

Introduce

5–7 minutes

  • Give students a few minutes to explore how Clixo pieces connect before building.
  • Present the scenario: Each silhouette is missing part of its story, and students will use Clixo to fill it in.

Ask students:

  • Who are these characters?
  • What are they doing?
  • What might they need, wear, or hold?

Share optional challenge cards:

  • Build a hat or helmet that fits the figure.
  • Give the figure the equipment they need.
  • Show how the figure is moving.

Build and Place

20–25 minutes

  • Students build Clixo items for the silhouettes at the table, then attach their builds on or around a silhouette.

Prompt students to test their builds:

  • Does it stay in place?
  • Does it fit the size and shape of the figure?
  • Does it make sense for what the figure is doing?
  • Allow time for revision and improvement based on testing.
  • Teachers circulate, asking guiding questions rather than giving solutions.

Share and Reflect

10–13 minutes

  • Students do a gallery walk or present to a partner.

Students explain:

  • What they built and which figure it belongs to
  • What story it tells
  • What they changed after testing

Facilitate a brief reflection discussion:

  • What was tricky about building to fit the figure?
  • What would you add if you had more time?

Optional Extensions

Math Extension

Count and compare the number of pieces used in each build.

ELA Extension

Write or dictate a short story about one silhouette using the builds as details.

Engineering Extension

Add a new constraint (only 5 pieces, one color, or a build that moves).

Art Extension

Students trace and cut their own silhouettes in poses of their choice before building.

Tips

  • This activity works well at family STEM nights, in media centers, and as an early finisher station.

Educational Standards

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