SpikeBall

thingiverse

The object itself is a contradiction: a mysterious black ball with multiple protruding spikes that are in fact necessary to open the ball itself. In this way, the ball is a teacher: it plays off of the instinctive fear of spikes, and the viscous black slime found within also causes an instinctive reflex that prescribes that the object may be harmful. When touched however, it is immediately noticed that the spikes are actually harmless, and the slime smells like fresh soap. The inside holds a personal note detailing to the user that this object was in fact an exercise on confronting fear: the things we fear become quite less intimidating when they are confronted, even though at first glance they appear to be terrifying. There is also candy, which along with the note celebrates the achievement of the user conquering their instinctual fear of the object and brings the object’s purpose to a satisfying close. Use any Candy encased in small container to avoid slime from coating it. I recommend small plastic paint containers. To Make Slime: Combine dawn dishwasher soap with black acrylic paint. Mix well. Nontoxic slime: Combine corn syrup with black(or any other color) food dye Overview and Background This activity is about understanding fear, and why we fear certain appearances and objects. This may be most beneficial in a social science class or Psychology class, or may just be a cool activity to teach younger children about fear. Students should be able to understand that fear is a n instinctive feeling, and it requires most often purposeful action to conquer and and confront, henceforth the tactile nature of the object. The note and candy delve the students into a deeper understanding of what fear may mean to them, and should help them understand that fear is as instinctual as it is imaginative. Lesson Plan and Activity Prepare Spike Ball ahead of time. Introduce to class as mysterious object that they should open. Create any backstory you want to explain its appearance: you found it in the trash, came from outer space, etc. Debrief: The importance of conquering fear, or the psychology of why they were afraid to open the ball. Materials Needed Materials Non-Toxic: -corn syrup(quarter cup) -candy (with container) -note about conquering fear Regular -dawn dishwasher soap (quart cup) -candy(definitely with container) -note about conquering fear