Step 1: Lantern Exploration & Planning (15 minutes)

For Educators: Show images of traditional Chinese lanterns during Harvest Moon Festival. Explain how lanterns symbolize bringing light and good fortune to families.

For Families: Explore how different materials let light through differently by holding various papers up to a window or flashlight.

Step 2: Design Phase (10 minutes)

1. Choose your lantern base (paper bag, jar, or constructed paper cylinder)
2. Select decorating materials that will allow light to pass through
3. Plan your decoration pattern – traditional Chinese designs include flowers, dragons, or geometric patterns

Step 3: Construction Phase (30 minutes)

1. Create the structure:

• If using paper bag: Carefully cut decorative shapes (adult help needed)
• If using jar: Wrap with tissue paper and secure with tape
• If making from scratch: Create cylinder and secure with tape

2. Add decorative elements:

• Layer different colored tissue papers for glowing effects
• Create patterns with tape (tape will block light, creating shadow designs)
• Add cut-out shapes that let extra light through

3. Prepare for hanging:

• Punch holes near the top
• Thread string or yarn through holes
• Test that lantern hangs evenly

Step 4: Testing & Improvement (15 minutes)

1. Place LED light inside lantern (adult supervision required)
2. Turn off classroom/room lights and observe
3. Discuss: “What do you notice about the light?” “Which materials work best?”
4. Make improvements to design based on observations

Step 5: Celebration Display (10 minutes)

Hang completed lanterns and enjoy the “lantern festival” atmosphere while discussing how families in China gather under lantern displays during the Harvest Moon Festival.

📊 Assessment

Observe students’ use of engineering design process vocabulary

🏫 Classroom Management

Set up stations for different construction steps to manage flow and materials efficiently

📐 Extension Ideas

Create math problems using lantern measurements and patterns. Have students calculate perimeter, compare heights, or work with measurement conversions.

🌏 Cultural Connection

Invite community members to share lantern-making traditions. Consider partnering with local cultural organizations for authentic perspectives.

⚠️ Safety Reminder

Adults handle all cutting and light sources. Keep LED lights away from very young children who might put small objects in their mouths.

💬 Learning Conversations

• “What happens to light when it goes through different materials?”
• “How do you think families feel when they celebrate together with lanterns?”
• “What other celebrations do we know that use lights or candles?”

🧩 Problem-Solving Support

Encourage multiple attempts – “Engineers always test and improve their designs!” Celebrate mistakes as learning opportunities.

🌍 Cultural Appreciation

“People around the world create beautiful things to celebrate what’s important to them.” Use this as an opportunity to discuss your own family traditions too!