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- A Typical Class LifeCast™ Project:
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- This type of project is excellent for an elementary school class. Try to let the children participate as much as possible. These instructions are based on an average 2nd grade student.
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- Smaller or larger students would just use different amounts of material.
- The procedures are the same.
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1. Project Container (Matrix):
You will need a paper or foam cup for each child plus one extra to use for making a template. Size should be just large enough to fit either a single hand or both hands in a 'praying' position without touching the sides.
This example uses a tall 32 ounce (4 cup) size. Movie theaters and restaurant suppliers are good sources for larger cups.
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 Making An Example Template:
- Mark off a cup in 1 or 1/2 cup increments by measuring water, pouring it and successively marking each level. (The example may not be the same as yours).
- •, Measure each line's distance from the bottom. Number the lines from the bottom up. Note the distances.
- •, Pass out a cup to every student. Have them use their rulers to duplicate the template markings. Also make sure they each print their name on the outside of their cup.
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2. Designing The LifeCasts:
"Praying hands" are a popular, easy design to make. They work very well with the tapered shape of paper cups. The set up is identical to the one shown below for bookends but, without the seperator sheet.
Remember that the large life casts use less mold powder but, more cement. Small designs are the opposite. If you find yourself running out of one medium, compensate by making subsequent designs which use less of that one and more of the other.
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2. Designing The LifeCasts:
StudioPak™ has enough material, if used efficiently for at least 20 children of this size and age. We have done more than 25 fifth grade students with one StudioPak™.
Work with groups of 5 at a time. The class should watch the entire process the first time. Occupy them with something for the following groups so they don't crowd the area.
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3. Determining Water Volumes For Groups:
- A. Have the first group position their hands in the cups with their fingertips lightly touching the bottom but not the sides.
- B. Pour room temperature (65 to 70 degree) water into each cup over their hands until a little of the wrist is covered. Leave about 3/4 inch of the cup empty if you want cast bases (see 2B).
- C. Mark this level on each cup.
- D. Remove the hands. Mark the lower level on each cup.
- E. Have student subtract the difference between the high and low water marks (do it for them if you have not yet discussed fractions). Write it on their cup.
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 3. Determining
- F. Have the group add to find the sum of these numbers . This is the total volume of ArtCast™ you will need for this group later. Keep the total with this group's cups.
- G. Hold open a BlendBag™ and have each child pour the remaining water from their cups into it. Hold as illustrated in Section 2A; Example 4 and read this combined volume from the line on the BlendBag™.
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- 4. Making The ArtFORM™ Molds:
- A. You will add 1/2 as much powder to this for mixing the molds. Have students help calculate how much 1/2 is.
- B. Add the powder and follow the blending procedure in Section 2A, Example 4.Remember to fluff up the powder first. At this ratio and temperature, mix the ArtForm™ for 2 minutes.
- C. Pour the liquid to the lower lines the cups and have the students put their hands into it in the same position as before. If there is a little ArtForm™ left in the bag use it to 'top off' any which need it.
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4. Making The ArtFORM™ Molds:
- D. Follow steps 4 and 5 in the Basic Project (3A above).
- Pouring the casts: Its easier to make 10 molds first before casting them all at once. Repeat the steps for one more group before proceeding.
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- 5. Making And Pouring The ArtCAST™ Cement:
- A. Add the two group's totals (the differences in step 3F above). Remember to also add an amount for bases if wanted. Multiply this total by 50% and put this amount of 70 degree water into another BlendBag™.
- B. Add twice as much cement powder, soak and blend per the procedure in Section 2A. At this ratio, soak without mixing for 2 minutes then actively blend for 2 more minutes before pouring.
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5. Making
 C. Follow the methods described in the step-by-step example project to complete the sculptures. With your help the children will be amazed and have alot of fun unveiling their own LifeCast™!
- D. Refer to Section 4 if you plan on painting or doing other decoration.
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