In second grade, we learned how to use a stencil. For this project, we created rocket ships! This was their first real project of the year, and they really loved it :) Each year, students learn about a different method of printmaking, and in second grade it is stenciling. For this stenciling project, the stencil is given to them ( the next stenciling project of jungle animals, they make their own stencils).
On day one, we learn about stenciling and come up with a rough draft - what colors do we want to use, what details do we want to add to our rocket and the outer space? 
Day two, we created painted paper. I give the students a 9" x 12" piece of paper and if they have time a 6" x 9" piece of paper for the fire. The larger paper will become the rocket, the students come up with any pattern they like: stripes, zig-zags, polka dots, etc. The smaller paper is for the fire and is painted with only warm colors (yellow, orange and red).
On day three, the students trace the rocket stencil and cut out their rocket. Then they learn how to trace part of the stencil, only the top of the stencil, or trace the wings of the stencil. They also line up the fire with the back of the stencil and use it to see how wide the fire needs to be. We only focus on the rocket itself on day three.
On day four, we begin by stamping the stars in the sky. We talk about how this is the printmaking process that they learned when they were in first grade. While that dries, the students use the scrap paper bins to create planets, stars, portholes, asteroids, UFOs, etc. They glue down all of their details as the project dries.
