Try This! Model It!

You will need:

• scratch paper
• Mirado® pencil
• cardboard, cardboard boxes, tag board or paper
• scissors
• masking tape and/or glue or Paper Mate® adhesive tape
• watercolor paints and/or Mr. Sketch® markers
• optional: other favorite craft materials or "found objects" (yarn, toothpicks, foil, sticks, leaves etc.)

Architects sometimes make 3D models of buildings to show people what their building will look like. You can build a model from paper forms, boxes, and other found forms. Make your dream house, a castle, or any building you can dream up!

On scratch paper, sketch your ideas for your building. You make want to draw the facade and the floor plan. Plan what shapes and forms you will need to make your model.

2. Outline the basic flat shapes on your cardboard and cut them out. Check to see they fit together.

Hint: You may need an adult to help you cut heavy cardboard with an utility knife.

3. Cut or draw windows and doors.

Hint: You can have windows and doors swing open by bending the cardboard or by making tape hinges.

4. Create any forms you will need from tag board or heavy paper. Check out (tech tip link) for directions how to make forms.

Hint: You can make the roof removable if you want to create models of the rooms inside.

5. Draw or paint details on your shapes and forms before you assemble them. You can add more later but it is harder to draw on a 3D model.

Hint: You may need to cover your cardboard with a layer of plain paper (or paint it) if your cardboard is the wrong color or has printing on it. graphic: demo covering cardboard with plain paper

6. Using masking tape, assemble the different parts of your model.

Hint: Use lots of tape to make it sturdy. Try to tape underneath or inside so the tape won't show.

7. You may want to attach your model to a cardboard base. Then you can even add landscape details like paths, sidewalks, gardens, trees, fountains or bushes.

8. Now you can add more color and details with paints and/or markers.