How to Make a Landform Craft

Erosion shaped the Grand Canyon over 3 to 6 million years.

Landforms are the natural characteristics of the face of the earth. They include hills, canyons, plateaus, atolls and many other naturally occurring features. The Grand canyon and Mount Everest are famous examples of landforms. Building a landform model is a hands-on way for young children to learn about geology and geography while expressing themselves artistically. It can be part of a classroom activity. You can also build a landform model to spend an educational, crafts-oriented afternoon with your children.

Things You'll Need

• Old cardboard box
• Gardening gloves
• Modeling wire mesh
• Floral wire
• Wire clippers
• Scissors
• Rolling pin
• No-bake clay
• Acrylic craft paints
• Plastic apron

Instructions

1. Select the landform you wish to model. Draw a quick sketch of your model so you have a clear idea of what the finished product will look like.

2. Shape the wire mesh to the desired landform shape. If necessary, cut the mesh to size with scissors. You can join wire mesh pieces by looping floral wires through the mesh loops. Wear gardening gloves when cutting the wire mesh.

3. Cut the sides of the cardboard box to a height of 2 inches. Place the wire mesh model into the cardboard box.

4. Roll the no-bake clay to a 1/4-inch flat sheet with the rolling pin. Cut the clay to size. Cover the wire mesh with no-bake clay, pressing gently so that the clay sticks to it.

5. Let the no bake-clay dry completely. The instructions on the package will tell you how long that takes.

6. Put on your plastic apron. Paint the landform model with the acrylic paints.

Tips & Warnings

• Decorate the landform model with twigs, grass, toy cars or other items.

• Handling scissors and metal wire requires adult supervision.

• Acrylic paint will not wash out of your clothes once it is dry.

References

• Southern Kings Consolidated School: Face of the Earth: Landforms
• Enchanted Learning: Illustrated Glossary: Landforms and Bodies of Water
• Pete's Power Point Station: Landforms
• Longfellow Elementary School; Exploring Landforms; Zach King; 2007
• Kidsgeo: Understanding Landforms
• Havasupai Tribe: Grand Canyon Facts