Project # 12 Stepping Stone

The stepping stone project used a photo as its focal point. I chose a photo of myself and my fiance because it had a special meaning for me. The photo was laminated before the project began. This project started with a plastic circular form in which a cement mixture was placed. The cement mixture filled the form to about 3/4 full. Before adding any of the decorative pieces, I shook the mixture to help the air bubbles to come to the top. I also used several paper towels to remove some of the water that came to the top of the cement mixture. With most of the standing water removed, I began by laying my picture in the middle. I was given a choice of colored stones, both smooth and rough, and other various objects like shells that I could use to decorate my stone. I chose to decorate the stone in a balanced fashion. Because the photo represented my relationship with someone very special, I chose colors of stones to represent important aspects of that relationship. The green stones represent the "grass"-finished-beef we raise; the blue stones represent the enormous obstacle of water that we both have had to overcome to develop our business; and the dark pink stones represent the love we share for one another.

Making stepping stones such as this one could be a classrom extension activity of a social studies class where students may be studying the longevity of structures typical to various civilizations; take for example cement interstate hiways vs. paved or gravel roads or cement buildings vs. wood frame buildings. Comparisons and contrasts can be drawn concerning the strength of those elements of that society's infrastructure which not only adds significant material value but can also add atheistic value. Allowing students the opportunity to create something that can last a long time can help them understand the idea of permanency. A stepping stone such as this one can also be an extension of a science class where students could study the properties of different elements and how those elements interact.