Nobel Prize Medallion

Nobel Prizes are awarded to people who do extraordinary things. Who would you select to win?

• 1.

  People from many fields all around the world are honored annually with Nobel Prizes. Along with the honor comes a large cash award to encourage winners to continue their fields of study. Achievements in physics, chemistry, literature, and peace are recognized. Find out about previous winners and research some deserving future candidates.

• 2.

  The Nobel Prize is represented with a large golden medallion embossed with a silhouette of its founder, Alfred Nobel. This type of sculpture is called bas-relief. The first award was given in 1901. Here is one way to make a replica medallion.

• 3.

  Form an orange-sized ball of Crayola® Air-Dry Clay. On a clean, dry surface, flatten it with your fingers or a rolling pin until it is about one-half inch thick. Cut out a circle with a plastic cup or craft stick.

• 4.

  Shape Nobel’s face by pinching the clay with your fingers. Look at a classmate for inspiration. Notice different indentations for chin, mouth, eyes, and forehead. Use a craft stick or your fingers.

• 5.

  The clay’s fine texture enables you to add many details to your medal. For example, roll a tiny clay ball to make an eye. Use a Crayola Colored Pencil point to make the pupil. Roll thin strips to create hair. Flatten a tiny piece of clay between your fing

• 6.

  If at any time you want to improve your bas-relief by starting over, just flatten the clay. It’s easy to make changes with Air-Dry Clay! When you are finished sculpting, smooth your medal with a few drops of water and your finger. Air-dry your medal for a

• 7.

  Cover your art area with newspaper. Paint your medal with gold Crayola Premier Tempera Paint and a Paint Brush. Air-dry the paint.

• 8.

  Attach a ribbon to the back of the medal with Crayola School Glue. Air-dry the glue before awarding your Nobel Prize selection. Describe to your class why you chose this person.

Benefits

• Students identify the accomplishments of many famous people who won the Nobel Prize, including Albert Einstein, Winston Churchill, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and T.S. Elliot.
• Students research outstanding individuals today who might qualify for a Nobel Prize in the future.
• Students craft a replica Nobel Prize medal and orally present information about the person to whom they have chosen as deserving of the award.

Adaptations

• Write a report about a person who received the Nobel Prize. Present it orally and dress up as the famous person.
• Find out why the Nobel Prize was established and how it is funded.
• Create your own classroom award process. Identify the criteria for selection (perhaps spelling, music, or kindness), the type of award (medal, certificate), application process, judges, how the award will be presented, and other details.
• Assessment: Ask students to identify one or more Noble Prize winners and write about their effect on global society. For example, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was recognized for nonviolent protests that furthered the civil rights movement in the United States.