How to Make a Big Dinosaur Model

Dinosaurs with strange shapes are more difficult to model.

Dinosaurs have caught the attention of many people, both scientists and curious kids, for many years. These prehistoric animals, with their large sizes and fascinating features, make for educational modeling projects. Paper mache models of dinosaurs are often simple to make and even children can get involved in the creation process. With non-toxic, kid friendly materials involved, it is simple to create big dinosaur models at home.

Things You'll Need

• Picture of dinosaur
• Balloons
• Flour
• Water
• Mixing bowl
• Newspaper
• Pin
• Paint and markers

Instructions

1. Print out a picture of the dinosaur that you want to make a model of.

2. Choose balloons of any color; the larger the balloons, the larger the model. You will need four long balloons for the legs of the dinosaur, one pear shaped balloon for the body and a small balloon for the head. Blow these balloons up and tie each one. Stick the balloons together with tape, with the legs stuck to the body and the body to the head.

3. Mix flour and water in a bowl to create a paste. The mixture should be thick enough s it does not run and thin enough so that it still falls off of the spoon easily. Rip strips of newspaper and completely cover each strip, one at a time, with the paste. Lay the strips onto the balloons until the balloons are completely covered with newspaper. Repeat this, adding up to four layers of newspaper strips and paste to the balloons.

4. Allow the newspaper to dry completely. This may take anywhere from eight to 48 hours. Once the newspaper is completely dry, force a pin through the paper and pop the balloons inside. The dinosaur will still hold its shape.

5. Paint the dinosaur, using the picture that you printed out as a template. Allow the paint to dry before handling the big dinosaur model.

References

• Parent Child Education: How To Make Paper Mache Dinosaur
• Discovery Channel: Types of Dinosaurs
• DLTK: How To Paper Mache