How to Make a Tombstone for a School Project

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • 20- by 40-inch Styrofoam of foam insulation board

  • Utility knife

  • Gray spray paint

  • Bamboo skewers

  • Black paint

  • Paintbrush

  • Wire coat hangers

Students can create their own tombstone as a school project.

Tombstones mark the final resting place of individuals. They often contain such information as name, birth date, death date and something special about the person. Whether teachers are preparing a lesson for history, or discussing Halloween, students can construct their own tombstones. The tombstones of each class member can then be used to create a small graveyard.

Advertisement

Step 1

Cut a 20- by 40-inch Styrofoam board, or foam insulation board, in to the tombstone shape you desire with a utility knife. Tombstones can be rounded at the top, or they may have a cross shape cut out of the top middle. Some tombstones are just big rectangles.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Spray paint the tombstone cut-out with gray spray paint. Do this outside or in a well ventilated area. Set the cut-out aside to dry.

Advertisement

Step 3

Carve a name, some dates and any other information you want on your tombstone with the sharp end of a bamboo skewer. You may also add some designs such as a cross or a heart.

Step 4

Paint the indentations you made with the bamboo skewer with black paint and a paintbrush. Set aside to dry.

Advertisement

Step 5

Unwind two wire coat hangers and cut them in half. Stick one half way in the bottom left side of the tombstone, and one half way in the bottom right side. Push down in to the ground so that the tombstone is standing up.

Tip

You can sponge the paint on instead of spray painting it. This will give the look of an aged stone.

Warning

Younger children should not use the utility knife.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

references

Report an Issue

screenshot of the current page

Screenshot loading...