Activities Tuesdays: Monster Lab!

There are many variations to this gruesome activity, but I think I've come up with the cleanest! The general idea is to have your guest "monster doctors" blindly feel foods that are turned into creature organs by the imagination.

It's easy to get creative with this activity, but here are a few ideas:

• Spaghetti = Intestines
• Grapes = Eyeballs
• Cocktail Wieners = Toes
• Almond Slivers = Finger/Toe nails
• Chicken Breast = Heart
• Ground Beef = Brain

Instead of putting the items in bowls, I used balloons. This gives the food/"body parts" a longer life and keeps the germ passing to a minimum. To make the activity a center that doesn't necessarily need supervision or explanations, make a monster! Using some cardboard, paint, and a plastic tablecloth, I created a fun display for the Monster Lab. To do this:

1. Draw your monster out on a large piece of cardboard. This can be anywhere from 3ft to 6ft long, depending on your skill and available space and time.
2. Decide where your "monster parts" will be. Cut squares big enough to allow a hand through wherever a part will be.
3. Use leftover cardboard to create cubbies for the parts where the square holes are. Use tape, staples, etc... whatever seems to work for you!
4. Paint your monster!
5. Use pieces of plastic tablecloth to create curtains for your parts' cubbies.

Other variations of the Monster Lab include scents, which involves some more cooperation and supervision than my version.

Links to other Monster Lab ideas:

• Disney Family Fun: The Monster Lab Game