How to Make a Medieval Times Diorama
A diorama, or tableau, can be a great way to creatively display information learned in school. The most common diorama is constructed by placing a shoebox on its side and removing the lid. The inside of the shoebox is then set up with 3D figures interacting against a landscape that's been pasted behind them. A medieval times diorama can be a springboard for class discussion about interpretations of medieval history and can allow for juxtaposition, or contrast, of various elements from the historical time period.
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Instructions
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Carefully read about one or more aspects of medieval times. For example, you might surf the web to read about medieval reliquaries, which are holy objects containing saints' bones, or you might find a website about the lives of knights.
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Decide what scene or scenes you want to portray and draw them on construction paper. For example, you might draw a castle on a blue construction paper background. Cut the construction paper and paste it on the inside of the shoebox.
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Purchase figures to populate your diorama. Playmobil offers knight figures. Schleich is a company that also offers a diverse array of medieval figures.
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Arrange figures in the diorama, adding other elements that you deem relevant. For example, you might add a medieval reliquary that you've made out of a small ketchup bottle that contains a construction-paper saint's bone. Juxtaposing elements in this way can lead to good discussion. Talk about the ways that reliquaries would have factored into the lives of medieval knights. To build on this discussion, research medieval pilgrimages.
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Display your diorama.
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Tips & Warnings
If you have extra time, you can create the medieval figures that populate your diorama. You can also use other boxes besides a shoebox for your diorama. The most important part of designing a diorama is using your creativity.
