Chinese Dragon Boat

crayola supplies

Model Magic®

household supplies

none

Why

Dragon boat racing entertains people all over the world. Children can make replicas of dueling dragon boats!

Steps

1. Dragon boat racing began more than 2000 years ago. People in China believed that the boat race would ensure a prosperous harvest. Today dragon boat races are held in many countries. The races are primarily fun ways to learn about Chinese history and culture.
2. Design your own dragon boat using Crayola® Model Magic® modeling compound. Dragon boats are usually long and narrow. They often have a dragon's head at the front and a tail sweeping up the back.
3. Choose which color(s) of Model Magic to use for your dragon boat. To make your own shades, mix two or more colors. Knead until the color is evenly mixed.
4. To shape your boat, make a long, thick roll of Model Magic. Hollow out the center of the boat by pressing into the roll with your fingers. Smooth the inside edges.
5. Shape more modeling material into a dragon's neck and head. Many dragons have long jaws. Their necks are often long and graceful. Press the bottom of the neck onto one end of the boat.
6. Use more Model Magic to sculpt your dragon boat's tail. You might roll the modeling material into a snake that is thicker at one end than the other. Fold the roll back and forth on itself to make a wavy tail. Press the thick end of the tail onto the other end of the boat.
7. Add finishing features to your dragon boat head and tail with contrasting colors of Model Magic. You could add eyes, teeth, a nose, or decorations on the boat if you'd like. Shape small pieces of Model Magic for detail work. Make thin rolls and break them into lines. Create original designs. Press the decorative pieces onto the dragon.4. For more challenge, sculpt racers and a drummer inside the boat.

When & Where

"We found out that dragon boat races are held in both Canada and the U.S.!"
- Mary Pat M., parent of children ages 9 and 12.

"Making dragon boats was delightful for children of all ages! Older kids read stories about the races to younger ones."
- Luz S., family child care provider.

Interesting Info

In many Asian countries such as China, the dragon is the supreme power, the most commonly used design in art, and the most ancient symbol in mythology. Dragons represent sky and earth, power, wisdom, and strength. They reside in water and bring wealth, good luck, and in Chinese belief, rainfall for crops.

Safety Guidelines

Crayola Modeling Materials including Crayola Model Magic®, and Model Magic Fusion™, Crayola Air-Dry Clay, and Crayola Dough—

Keep away from open flames. Do not use to make candleholders, hot plates, trivets, or other similar objects that will be used or placed near fire and other heat sources.
Do not put in an oven, microwave, or kiln.
Do not make into vessels/containers that will hold unpackaged food.
The use of modeling material to make items that look like food is discouraged for children younger than age 5 to avoid their confusion with real food.
Unless sealed with a water-resistant glaze, do not make projects exposed to or immersed in water, such as boats or outdoor bird feeders. They would disintegrate when exposed to moisture.
Crayola Dough—contains gluten (wheat flour) as an ingredient.
Crayola Air-Dry Clay, Crayola Model Magic and Model Magic Fusion are gluten-free. However, they are produced on the same machinery as Crayola Dough which does contain gluten. Although the machines are cleaned prior to the start of each production run, there is a slight possibility that trace amounts of gluten from Crayola Dough may be present in the other modeling compound products. For information regarding specific ingredients or allergic concerns, please call our Consumer Affairs department at 1-800-272-9652 weekdays between 9 AM and 4 PM Eastern Standard Time.