When producing medical handles, each handle is individually molded in large mold presses. Raw rubber is put into the presses where heat and enormous pressure are used to produce a precise instrument that may be used to help doctors perform specialized surgeries or any number of intricate procedures.
After each mold cycle a small amount of rubber is left above the mold cavity. We use this flat piece of rubber for a special project. Students fold and shape the rubber slab into a 3-d creature of their own imagination. The shapes are stapled to hold them in place.
First, a piece of paper is given to students along with a piece of rubber. They trace the rubber shape onto the paper, cut it out, and use the paper as a "test" piece to see if their creature will stand on its own when finished. This allows students the opportunity to practice their tracing and cutting skills. Then they can reproduce their creature with the rubber piece.
The Atwater Elementary Art Department is very grateful for the generous donation Minnesota Rubber has made for these fun projects!
