Life-Like Replicas: Fish

Grab your gills and fluff your fins to make art based on science! Research a fish, gather photos, and model a fun, realistic wildlife replica.

• 1.

  Investigate a fish or other water creature that interests you. Gather lots of drawings and photographs so you can sculpt a realistic replica.

• 2.

  Create a Model Magic® base for the fish body, such as an elongated rectangle or oval. Bend it into any position you want!

• 3.

  What are the biggest body parts you need to add? A head, fins, and tail? Use the most realistic colors—or be imaginative! Smooth out the surface with your fingers or by gently rolling a marker over it.

• 4.

  Now add layers. Roll the modeling compound into different-sized coils for lines. Make small balls and gently press them on for circles. Look carefully at the pictures so you can add lots of interest and realism to your sculpture.

• 5.

  Complete the life-like look with Crayola Glitter Glue details. Build up textured scales! Model Magic® dries to the touch overnight and dries completely in 2 to 3 days.

• 6.

  Why not make a habitat for your creature to show its beneath-the-water home?

Benefits

• Students research a fish or other underwater animal that interests them.
• Students compare and contrast the images they gather with the different stages of production of their sculptural model to create a life-like replica.
• Students represent their chosen creature from 2-D images into 3-dimensional artwork.

Adaptations

• Students each sculpt a different creature. Display them in a group—or with a diorama of underwater habitats. Give the exhibition a fun name!
• Focus on and research only endangered fish and animals. Invent strategies on how to correct their low numbers.
• Create natural habitats for the creatures, such as dioramas in a shoebox.
• Assessment: Students are successful if their finished sculptures include details as shown in their researched images.