Things You'll Need
2 styrofoam cups
Styrofoam glue
Black tempera paint
White tempera paint
Sponge brush
Gray card stock
Goggly eyes
Scissors
Clear tape
Pen
White duct tape
Toothpicks
Making a three dimensional model is a great way for kids to learn about living organisms. It gives them the opportunity to identify all of the working parts in a very hands-on fashion.
This shark model is a perfect project for the beginner model maker. It's made of styrofoam cups so it's not overly complicated but still allows for lots of labeling and learning.
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Instructions
Step 1
For this project you'll need styrofoam cups, paint, tape, toothpicks, card stock and goggly eyes. Please see the last slide for an itemized list of tools and materials.
Step 2
Squeeze a thin line of styrofoam glue around the rim of a styrofoam cup. Press the cup together with a second cup, rim to rim, and allow the glue to dry.
Step 3
Draw fins and a tail onto the gray card stock and cut out the shapes with scissors. See the resources section at the end of this slideshow for a guide to the type and number of fins to make.
Step 4
Mix one part black paint with two parts white paint to create gray paint. Use a sponge brush to cover the styrofoam cups with the paint and allow to dry. Repeat this process twice for a total of three coats.
Step 5
Attach the fins and tail to the shark body by placing a piece of tape above and below each piece. Place a small amount of styrofoam glue on the back of each goggly eye and adhere one to each side of the shark's head.
Step 6
Use the tip of a toothpick to carve the mouth and gills into the shark head.
Step 7
Tear off a one inch piece of white duct tape and center a toothpick on the sticky side, half way up. Fold the tape down over the toothpick so that the top edge meets the bottom edge.
Step 8
Repeat several times and write the names of the various shark parts on your labels. Place the toothpicks into the styrofoam shark body where they belong. Refer to the resources section at the end of this slideshow for a shark anatomy guide.
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