Blackout Poetry STEAM Activity for Middle School (Grades 7–8)
What Is Blackout Poetry?
Blackout poetry is a creative way to make a new poem from an existing page of text. Instead of writing a poem from scratch – you are essentially building a poem out of existing text.
Blackout Poetry STEAM Activity – Why This Is a STEAM Activity
- Science: Observing patterns and connections between words
- Technology: Editing and transforming existing information
- Engineering: Designing a structure for your poem
- Art: Creating visual designs with the blackout pattern
- Math: Recognizing spacing, balance, and layout on the page
Materials
- A photocopied book page, magazine page, or newspaper article
- Pencil
- Black marker or sharpie
- Optional: coloured markers for designs
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Scan the Page (1–2 minutes)
Look over the entire page quickly. Don’t read every word yet.
Let your eyes wander and see what words jump out at you.
2. Circle Interesting Words (3–4 minutes)
Lightly circle words that catch your attention.
Look for:
- strong nouns (storm, fire, night)
- action verbs (run, break, discover)
- emotional words (hope, fear, wonder)
You only need 10–20 words to start.
3. Build Your Poem (3–5 minutes)
Choose the words that connect to form a short poem.
Rules:
- Words must stay in the order they appear on the page
- You can skip words in between
- Your poem can be 3–10 words long
Example:
Original text:
The scientists carefully watched the sky as a powerful storm moved across the horizon.
Possible poem:
scientists watched
a powerful storm
4. Black Out the Rest (5–7 minutes)
Once your poem is chosen:
- Trace over your poem words so they stand out.
- Use a marker to black out everything else.
- Optional: Turn the blackout areas into art designs, patterns, or shapes.
- Your poem should be the only words visible.
Creative Challenge
Try one of these STEAM twists:
- Science Theme: Find words that sound like a discovery.
- Engineering Theme: Create a poem about building or fixing something.
- Space Theme: Use words that feel cosmic or mysterious.
Reflection Question
After finishing, ask:
How did you “engineer” your poem from the page?
Blackout poetry shows that ideas are hidden everywhere.
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