A model of a state is a simple way to teach children about geography, geology and state government. These maps, which are constructed with clay and show topographic features, cities, tourists attractions and state landmarks, can be made with modeling clay as well as pictures, figurines, marbles and other bits of brick-a-brack for visual interest. The more a child can contribute to the model map of the state, the more they will learn from this map.
Instructions
1. Roll a large quantity of clay into a basic pancake shape. Pinch the edges until the base shape resembles the state you are mapping. Take care to ensure that your base shape is perfectly flat.
2. Layer the state's elevations using a different color of modeling clay for every 1,000 feet of elevation. Use the topographic map as a reference for layers.
3. Use blue modeling clay to add bodies of water.
4. Add marbles to represent major cities. Use larger marbles for cities with bigger population, and smaller marbles for cities with fewer people.
5. Research various attractions around the state. Write an account of each attraction using your pen and paper. Information in your accounts may include tourist stops as well as fun facts about cities or landmarks. Attach a photo of the subject to your account. Place these around your state map.
6. Place brick-a-brac on your map representing these attractions. For example, a state map of New York might include a small plastic figurine of the Statue of Liberty, while a tiny, clear plastic jewel may represent the Crater of Diamonds national park in Arkansas. You may choose to use the Monopoly top hat to represent Lincoln's stovepipe hat in his home state of Illinois, or a salt-and-pepper shaker of Mt. St. Helens for Washington state.
7. Connect the attractions on your map to the information and photos of that subject using a length of string. Use push pins to secure the ends of the string from the map to the information.
Tags: modeling clay, base shape, cities with, marbles cities, marbles cities with, model state
