How to Make a Model of a Shark

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

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

This shark model uses styrofoam cups and toothpick labels.

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.

Advertisement

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.

Video of the Day

Instructions

Step 1

This simple shark model uses styrofoam cups to form the body.

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

Use styrofoam glue to adhere two styrofoam cups together.

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.

Advertisement

Step 3

Cut the shark's fins and tail out of cardstock.

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.

Advertisement

Step 4

Apply gray paint to the cups using a sponge brush.

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.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Step 5

Use tape to attach the fins and tail.

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.

Advertisement

Step 6

Add a mouth and gills using the tip of a toothpick.

Use the tip of a toothpick to carve the mouth and gills into the shark head.

Advertisement

Step 7

Use a toothpick and white duct tape to make labels.

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.

Advertisement

Step 8

Write the parts of the shark on your labels.

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.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

resources