Materials:
- A wire hanger. It cannot be a partially metal hanger made substantially of wood or plastic.
- A large, flat piece of cardboard.
- The tape of your choosing. Masking tape may be the easiest to work with; duct tape would certainly make the hoop durable.
- Markers or paint.
- Scissors.
- String (optional)
Directions:
- Bend the wire hanger into a circle.
You do not even have to dismantle the hanger, but just reshape it into a hoop. - Bend the hook of the hanger so that it is at a 90 degree angle with the hoop.
Do not cut away the hook, as it still can be of some use.. - Cut the cardboard to the size and shape of your liking.
Standard high school, college, and NBA backboards are rectangular, if you are looking to replicate that appearance.
Try to make sure the relative scale of the hoop and backboard seem reasonable.
For comparative purposes, an NBA backboard is 6 feet wide, while the basket opening is 18 inches (1.5 feet).
That means the basket width is 1/4 (or 25%) as wide. - Decorate the hoop and backboard to your liking.
Traditional hoops are painted red, but you can certainly customize it to fit whatever you desire.
The backboard of most high schools, colleges, and all NBA franchises are now made of transparent glass; as there is no transparent cardboard, you can really be as creative as you want. - Tape the hoop to the backboard.
You can attach the hook (which you bent up earlier) to lower back side of the backboard.
Make sure the rim is as close to the backboard as possible.
This activity supports the practice of these STEAM Habits of Mind: Develop Craft, Engage & Persist, Observe, Reflect, Stretch & Explore.