Prickly Flower Pods

Learn about the parts of any flower and the conditions under which the plant thrives. Make a life-like model to show your new knowledge!

• 1.

  Flowers are very different, depending on what they need to thrive in their native habitats. However, all flowers have basic parts in common, such as root systems, stems, and blossoms. Choose a geographic region and native flower. Research information about its native habitat and the growing conditions in which it thrives. Collect photographs and drawings to help you create an accurate, realistic sculpture. Here are a few sculpting tips.

• 2.

  To make green, mix yellow and blue Crayola Model Magic® compound. Roll out a long thin slab with a Crayola Marker barrel. Use part of the slab to neatly cover a wooden dowel to make a sturdy stem. Make several realistic leaves by cutting them out with Crayola Scissors. Attach leaves to the stem in the way they grow on the actual flower.

• 3.

  Depending on the shape of your flower, you may want to form a Model Magic base on the stem on which to apply the petals. Mix petal colors as needed. Build buds and petals from the inside out. Look at pictures to see whether the petals change colors or look shadowed in either the center or bottom. Use a lighter color for the top. Model Magic® dries to the touch overnight and dries completely in 2 to 3 days.

• 4.

  Add tiny details, such as dew drops or highlights, with Crayola Glitter Glue. Air-dry the paint before displaying the replica.

Benefits

• Students research a geographic region and learn about a flower to reproduce in detail.
• Students connect their knowledge of a specific plant as they create an artistic model of it.

Adaptations

• Write reports with details about the plant. Illustrate and label the flower parts. Take photos of the finished art. Bind together in a book or a computerized slide show.
• Transfer knowledge about flower parts and habitats to create a new, imaginary variety for a given habitat.
• Focus on native plants. Collect and/or photograph specimens. Compare and contrast sculptures to live plants.
• Assessment: Students will be successful if they create a 3-dimensional model that accurately represents the flowering plant they researched.