x

Traffic Light Craft

  • History & Social Studies
  • Grades 4-5
  • Grades 1-3

Brighten your craft session with a handmade traffic light full of shapes, colors, and history!

Materials



Glitter (Red, Yellow, Green)

4 Sheets of Construction Paper (White, Black, Red, Yellow, Green)

Scissors

Tape

Pen/Pencil

Ruler

Glue (Optional)

Instructions



Step  1.

Fold your black construction paper in half vertically. Then, cut along the line until you have two long sheets of paper — you’ll only use one for this craft.

Step  1.

Fold your black construction paper in half vertically. Then, cut along the line until you have two long sheets of paper — you’ll only use one for this craft.

Step  2.

Measure the width of the long piece of black construction paper. Use that measurement as a guide to draw circles on the red, yellow, and green construction paper. Then, cut out the circles evenly!

Step  2.

Measure the width of the long piece of black construction paper. Use that measurement as a guide to draw circles on the red, yellow, and green construction paper. Then, cut out the circles evenly!

Step  3.

Tape the tops of the red, yellow, and green circles onto the black construction paper, so they flip open. Then, cut small pieces of white construction paper to fit underneath and attach them with glue or tape.  

Step  3.

Tape the tops of the red, yellow, and green circles onto the black construction paper, so they flip open. Then, cut small pieces of white construction paper to fit underneath and attach them with glue or tape.  

Step  4.

On each white rectangle, write fun facts about Garrett Morgan and his inventions to bring a little history into your craft session!

Step  4.

On each white rectangle, write fun facts about Garrett Morgan and his inventions to bring a little history into your craft session!

Step  5.

Cut one small rectangle to add to the bottom on your craft to write something fun like, “Garrett Morgan: Inventor of the Traffic Light!” or “Shine like Garrett Morgan!”

Step  5.

Cut one small rectangle to add to the bottom on your craft to write something fun like, “Garrett Morgan: Inventor of the Traffic Light!” or “Shine like Garrett Morgan!”

Step  6.

Make your traffic light extra bright by sprinkling glitter onto the edges of the black construction paper! 

Step  6.

Make your traffic light extra bright by sprinkling glitter onto the edges of the black construction paper! 

Ready, set, go! Learn about Garrett Morgan’s life-changing inventions — including the traffic light we still use today!  

  • Green Light: Paving the way as one of the country’s most prominent inventors, Garrett Morgan relied on his background working with machines. His experience helped him create the early version of the gas mask and the traffic light! Have your students write the fun facts they learn about Mr. Morgan under the circles!
  • Yellow Light: Slow down and think about this African-American inventor. Why is it important to reflect on his work and legacy, especially during Black History Month? How did he influence others to follow in his footsteps?     

Inspire your students to think about their own inventions! Follow the Kid President around the GE Aviation facility and meet modern-day inventors. Then, spark conversation in class with this prompt: What is one thing you’d like to invent and why?