How to Make a Diorama

A diorama is a small model of a real-life scene that has lifelike details and a realistic
background. It can be anything you want it to be so get out the scissors, pencils, and pipe
cleaners! Pick your animal and let's get started!

Steps
1. Choose a scene to re-create. (Think of the animal's habitat or where it lives).
2. Make a sketch of your diorama and a list of the things needed to make it.
3. Make a base for the model out of a shoe box or other box about the size of a
shoebox.
4. Find small figures to go along with your scene or make them out of clay,
printouts, or legos.
5. Cut out paper drawings (colored please) for your project.
6. Be creative. Anything you can find (cotton swabs, glitter, etc.) will work. Use it to
make every detail count.
7. Hang flying objects with clear string, if you have it.
8. Include a paragraph on a summary card (index or paper) on the Top of the box
describing your animal and its habitat. Include interesting facts such as: what it
eats, where it finds shelter and where in the world it can be found. The paragraph
can be typed, but doesn’t have to be.

Tips
 Put bigger items in the back, leaving the scene easy to see.
 Green and brown pipe cleaners are great for plants.
 You can use cotton swabs for clouds or snow also.
 Be sure to use color all over. You don't want a blue sky with brown (cardboard
box) spots in it do you?