Dreams and Dinosaurs

Why

Let your imagination take you back to the Jurassic Period as imaginary dinosaurs are created using Crayola® Model Magic.


Steps

1. Study a variety of pictures and models of dinosaurs. Find out about their different shapes, sizes, and features.


2. Experiment with different methods to create color effects such as these with Crayola Model Magic:

  • Blend white and colored compound to create tints.
  • Blend two primary colors (red, yellow, blue) together to produce a secondary hue (orange, green, violet).
  • Create a marble effect by incompletely blending different colors.
  • For multi-colored layers, flatten two or more pieces by hand or with a rolling pin or dowel stick. Stack the pieces flat on top of each other and roll tightly like a cinnamon roll. Cut segments with Crayola Scissors. Connect pieces to make forms.
  • Roll three coils at least 1/2-inch thick (1.5 cm) and 1 foot (30 cm) long. Pinch the ends together securely. Braid.


    3. Explore ways to construct forms using these mixed colors. Shape the large dinosaur body form first, then add secondary forms such as legs. Use toothpicks or plastic straws inside the Model Magic for supports. Pinch or pull details from the Model Magic, or add small pieces. Smooth and seal all seams with damp fingers.


    4. After the sculpture is slightly dry, use a toothpick or plastic knife to add texture, or imprint the surface with textured materials.


    Safety Guidelines

    Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project.

    Crayola Modeling Materials including Crayola Model Magic®, Model Magic Fusion™, Crayola Air-Dry Clay, and Crayola Dough With Small Parts— WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD—

    • 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.
    • If the arts & crafts project involves making small objects, follow the small parts/choking hazards standards: WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD—Small parts. Not for children under 3 years."
    • 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.

    Modeling Tools—Use the least dangerous point or edge sufficient to do the job. For example, craft sticks, plastic knives and forks, and cookie cutters can cut or carve modeling materials.

    Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.

    Wood—By its nature, wood is rough and may contain splinters or sharp points

    Adaptations

    • Students analyze the ways in which each other's dinosaurs are similar to, and different from, those that lived in the Jurassic Period.
    • Create diorama habitats for the dinosaurs, showing climate, vegetation, and any other creatures.
    • Write creative stories or plays about why dinosaurs disappeared from the earth. Or imagine that the DNA found in bones or petrified eggs could bring dinosaurs back to life. What might happen?
    • Younger children and special needs students may benefit from short practice sessions experimenting with Model Magic techniques before participating in this activity.

    Related Lesson Plans

  • Lesson Plans

     

    Supplies

    crayola supplies
    • Model Magic®
    • Blunt-Tip Scissors
    household supplies
    • toothpicks - wooden
    • rolling pin
    • textured items, such as sandpaper, screen, paper doilies, rubber sink mat
    • plastic drinking straws
    • plastic dinnerware

    Overview

    grades

    • Pre-K and Kindergarten
    • Grades 1 to 3
    • Grades 4 to 6
    • Special Needs

    subjects

    • Language Arts
    • Science
    • Social Studies
    • Visual Arts

    time

    • 30 to 60 minutes
    • Multiple Sessions

    benefits

    • Students explore the 3-dimensional geometric forms of dinosaurs from the Jurassic Period.

    • Children apply various construction and color-effect techniques in modeling an imaginary dinosaur.

    Cirriculum

    Research Canada Standards
    Research UK Standards
    Research U.S. Standards