How to Make a Tasmanian Devil Out of Clay

Learning by doing is the best experience for children of any age. By combining art and science, a child will be able to learn about the Tasmanian devil. Whether you choose to create a realistic version or a cartoon character, imagine the fun the child will have creating her very own Tasmanian Devil.

Things You'll Need

• 2 cups baking soda
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1-1/2 cups cold water
• 4 qt. sauce pan
• Mixing spoon
• Stove top or a hotplate burner
• Dinner plate
• 2 wooden toothpicks
• Damp kitchen towel
• Images of Tasmanian devils
• Acrylic paint (optional)
• Paint brush (optional)

Instructions

Making Your Clay

1. Mix 2 cups of baking soda, 1 cup of cornstarch and 1-1/2 cups of cold water in the 4 qt. pan. Using your mixing spoon, stir the ingredients together until they are smooth.

2. Place the pan on the stove on medium heat and stir until boiling. You will need to continue to stir to be sure that lumps do not form. Cook the clay until it has the consistency of mashed potatoes.

3. Pour the clay onto a dinner plate. You will need to cover the clay with a damp kitchen towel while it is cooling.

4. After the clay has cooled, place a small amount of cornstarch on your work surface and knead the clay until it is pliable.

Making Your Tasmanian Devil

1. Make a cylinder shape about the size of a toilet paper roll for the body.

2. Roll the clay to make a medium-sized oval shape for the head.

3. Make another cylinder but this time make it smaller in diameter. Cut the cylinder into four pieces for the legs.

4. Stick two wooden toothpicks into the base of the head. Use the other ends of the toothpicks to attach the head to the body.

5. Attach the legs onto the body. Roll a piece of clay for the tail and attach to the body. Add ears, eyes and a nose with small pieces of clay.

6. Allow your Tasmanian devil to air dry overnight. You may choose to paint your clay using acrylic paints.

Tips & Warnings

• Provide pictures of Tasmanian Devils for children to look at while making their clay animal.

• Adult supervision is highly recommended for making the clay, as it involves using the stove.

References

• Homeschooling-ideas.com: How to Make Clay

Resources

• Australia's Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water, and Environment: Tasmanian Devil