What is a scepter?

The king wears a golden crown and holds a jeweled baton topped with a sparkling ornament… You may have seen a similar picture in a story book and wondered about this baton, also known as a scepter!

A scepter is a rod carried by a ruler or a leader. This rod is often a sign of authority—that the person who carries it is in charge of making important decisions!  Throughout time, kings, emperors, and religious leaders have carried scepters for special occasions and ceremonies. 

Scepters are often embellished with designs, jewels, and other interesting shapes (including creatures)! If the thought of carrying a scepter seems fancy, remember that shepherds carried staffs. Have you ever carried a walking stick? It’s not so unusual that a stick or a rod would stand for steadiness, strength and power!

Now it’s time to make your own scepter! Cover a paper towel or wrapping paper tube with aluminum foil and let your imagination do the rest! 

Needing an idea to get started? With the help of a grown-up, cut a piece of foil (ten inches tall and six inches wide is the perfect size). From that piece of foil, cut out a large capital letter E! Try and make it ten inches tall and six inches wide, letting the foil piece you’ve just cut guide the size. Now turn that “E” on its side and wrap it around the very top of the paper towel tube, securing it with a piece of tape so three strips (the three prongs of the letter E) are sticking up from the top of your tube. 

Can you think of a design for the top of your scepter? What would happen if you curved the strips in a rounded form, then taped them together so they’re touching above the tube? Can you make it look like an ornament is perched at the top of your scepter? Experiment to create your own scepter fit for royalty!