• Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Activity, Change, Progress

  • HOME
  • How to
    • Preschool
    • Kindergarten
    • Middle School
    • High School
  • Planner
  • Lapbooks
    • Trioramas
    • History Games
  • Shop
  • GET STARTED NOW!
    • Learning Styles
  • 7 Step Planner
    • DIY Best Student Planner
    • Free & Easy DIY Home Management Binder
  • Unit Studies
    • Creation to Ancients
    • Middle Ages to Reform
    • Exploring to Revolution
    • World Wars to Today
    • Science
    • Free Art Curriculum Grades 1 – 8
  • Curriculum
    • More Unit Studies
    • Geography
    • Writing PreK to 12th
    • Geronimo Stilton
  • BootCamp
    • Resources
      • Dynamic Subscriber Freebies
      • Exclusive Subscribers Library
      • Ultimate Unit Study Planner

trioramas

How to Make A Pyramid Diorama For States Of Matter

January 12, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Making a pyramid diorama for the states of matter is a fresh way for your child to show what they have learned about the topic in a fun 3D presentation. Also, look at my page Trioramas: How To Create Engaging Visual Narratives For Kids for more ideas.

Everything around you, from the chair you’re sitting on right to the air that you breathe is made up of matter.

How to Make A Pyramid Diorama For States Of Matter

Matter is anything that takes up space and has mass. Matter exists in different states and can change states.

Let’s dive in and explore the fascinating world of solids, liquids, gases, and plasma.

Understanding the states of matter helps us understand the world around us and how materials behave.

From building strong structures with solid materials to using liquids for transportation and gases for energy, the states of matter play an important role in our everyday lives.

BOOKS ABOUT PHYSICAL SCIENCE TOPICS FOR KIDS

Next, I gathered a few books about physical science.

When possible, we prefer to read living books with our unit studies and to read alongside our experiments.

10 Books About Physical Science

Physical science varies in topic. It can cover states of matter, forces and motion like push and pull, forms of energy like simple circuits, light and sound to earth and space.

What Is the World Made Of?: All About Solids, Liquids, and Gases

Can you make an ice cube disappear? Put it on a hot sidewalk. It melts into water and then vanishes! The ice cube changes from solid to liquid to gas. This Level 2 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out picture book is a fascinating exploration of the three states of matter. This clear and appealing science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom, uses simple, fun diagrams to explain the difference between solids, liquids, and gases. This book also includes a find out more section with experiments designed to encourage further exploration and introduce record keeping.

Matter: Physical Science for Kids

In Matter: Physical Science for Kids, kids ages 5 to 8 explore the definition of matter and the different states of matter, plus the stuff in our world that isn’t matter, such as sound and light! In this nonfiction picture book, children are introduced to physical science through detailed illustrations paired with a compelling narrative that uses fun language to convey familiar examples of real-world science connections. By recognizing the basic physics concept of matter and identifying the different ways matter appears in real life, kids develop a fundamental understanding of physical science and are impressed with the idea that science is a constant part of our lives and not limited to classrooms and
laboratories

The Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements

Why did Gandhi hate iodine (I, 53)? How did radium (Ra, 88) nearly ruin Marie Curie's reputation? And why is gallium (Ga, 31) the go-to element for laboratory pranksters?The Periodic Table is a crowning scientific achievement, but it's also a treasure trove of adventure, betrayal, and obsession. These fascinating tales follow every element on the table as they play out their parts in human history, and in the lives of the (frequently) mad scientists who discovered them. The Disappearing Spoon masterfully fuses science with the classic lore of invention, investigation, and discovery.

Archimedes and the Door of Science (Living History Library)

Jeanne Bendick, through text and pictures, admirably succeeds in bringing to life the ancient Greek mathematician who enriched mathematics and all branches of science. Against the backdrop of Archimedes' life and culture, the author discusses the man's work, his discoveries and the knowledge later based upon it. The simple, often humorous, illustrations and diagrams greatly enhance the text.

Michael Faraday: Father of Electronics

Charles Ludwig retells Michael Faraday’s remarkable life story in fictionalized form. Here is the father of the electric motor, the dynamo, the transformer, the generator. Few persons are aware of the brilliant man’s deep Christian convictions and his determination to live by the Sermon on the Mount. For ages 12 to 15.

Junior Science Book of Electricity

Book about electricity for children.

Energy Makes Things Happen

Did you know that energy comes from the food you eat? From the sun and wind? From fuel and heat? You get energy every time you eat. You transfer energy to other things every time you play baseball.

Waves: Principles of Light, Electricity and Magnetism (The Secrets of the Universe)

Have you ever wondered why a prism turns ordinary sunlight into a rainbow? Isaac Newton knew why. How can a magnet be used to generate electricity? Michael Faraday could have told you. Can you explain how a toaster toasts bread? In this book, author Paul Fleisher answers these and many more questions as he looks at the laws that describe how waves behave. Through simple experiments, detailed illustrations and concepts that are easy to understand, readers are introduced to the basic principles of light, electricity and magnetism in a fun, exciting way.

Liquids and Gases: Principles of Fluid Mechanics (Secrets of the Universe)

Have you ever wondered why a 10-tonne boat floats but a tiny pebble sinks? Archimedes knew why. How does a basketball or tennis ball bounce? Robert Boyle could have described how! Can you explain why a hot-air balloon rises but a balloon you blow up drops to the ground? To answer these questions and many more, author Paul Fleisher explains the laws that define how and why liquids and gases behave the way they do. Through simple experiments, detailed illustrations and concepts that are easy to understand, readers are introduced to the basic principles of fluid mechanics in a fun, exciting way.

Marbles,Roller Skates,Doorknob

Explains the concepts of simple and complex machines and mechanical advantage, and describes how wheels, including gears and ball bearings, work

Before we move onto the pyramid triorama, look at the different states of matter to get a good understanding of each.

FACTS ABOUT SOLIDS STATES OF MATTER

Solids are all around us, your toys, your books, and even your bones.

They have a definite shape and volume, meaning they don’t change their shape easily and take up a specific amount of space.

Think of a brick; it stays a brick whether you put it in a box or on the ground.

It’s about the tiny particles inside them.

These particles are packed tightly together and can only vibrate in place.

This tight arrangement gives solids their strength and keeps them from flowing like water.

Fun Fact: Some solids, like glass, may seem hard but are very brittle and can shatter easily.

FACTS ABOUT LIQUIDS STATES OF MATTER

They have a definite volume but take the shape of their container.

Think of pouring juice into a glass – the juice takes the shape of the glass but keeps the same amount.

The particles in liquids are close together but not as tightly packed as in solids.

They can move around and slide past each other, allowing liquids to flow and take the shape of their container.

Fun Fact: Water is the most common liquid on Earth and is essential for all life.

FACTS ABOUT GASES: INVISIBLE AIR

Gases are all around us, even though we can’t always see them.

They have no definite shape or volume and expand to fill their container.

Think of blowing up a balloon – the air inside expands to fill the balloon’s shape.

The particles in gases are far apart and move around quickly. They have lots of space to zoom around, which is why gases can be compressed easily and expand to fill any space.

Fun Fact: The air we breathe is a mixture of different gases, mostly nitrogen and oxygen.

PLASMA

Plasma is the fourth state of matter and is not as common as solids, liquids, and gases on Earth.

It’s like a superheated gas where the particles are so energized that they break apart into charged particles.

Plasma is found in stars, lightning, and even some neon signs.

Fun Fact: The Sun is a giant ball of plasma.

How to Make A Pyramid Diorama For States Of Matter

CHANGING STATES

Matter can change from one state to another through processes like melting, freezing, boiling, and condensation.

  • Condensation: When a gas turns into a liquid (like steam condensing into water droplets on a mirror).
  • Melting: When a solid turns into a liquid (like ice melting into water).
  • Freezing: When a liquid turns into a solid (like water freezing into ice).
  • Boiling: When a liquid turns into a gas (like water boiling into steam).

MORE PHYSICAL SCIENCE ACTIVITIES

  • Physical Science For Kindergarten: Free States Of Matter Pages
  • Electricity Hands-On Homeschool Science Activity
  • Electricity STEM: Lighting Up a Shoebox Tiny House
  • 41 Easy Hands-on Faith-Neutral Science Activities for Kids
  • 5 Simple Wind Energy Activities For Kids & Fun DIY Anemometer
  • How to Make a Simple Wind Vane | Fun Wind Activities Middle School
  • Simple and Fun Hands-On Water Cycle Activity For Kids
  • How To Make A Fun Periodic Table Notes Game With Kids
  • How To Make A Newton’s Cradle With Popsicle Sticks | 5 Sir Isaac Newton Facts
  • Then grab some minibooks About Sir Isaac Newton and His Apple on my Apple Unit Study and Lapbook page.
  • Easy Atom Model Project: How To Create A Fun Lego Version
How to Make A Pyramid Diorama For States Of Matter

Then look at these other themed ideas.

MORE TRIORAMA IDEAS

  • How to Make an Easy Rainforest Triorama With Kids
  • How to Make a Water, Land, and Sky Animal Habitat Triorama
  • How to Make an Amazing Shakespeare Triorama Book Report
  • How to Make a Cool Greek Mythology Triorama With Kids
  • How to Make a Giant Triorama Project About Cherokee Culture
  • How to Make A Desert Triorama About the Gobi, Sahara, & Antarctica
  • Amazing Geography Landforms: An Engaging Triorama Tutorial for Kids
  • How to Make a Triorama Teaching the Primary Colors with Dollar Tree Supplies
  • How To Build A Water Habitat Triorama With Kids
  • How to Craft a Stunning Wolf Animal Triorama
  • How to Make a Biome Triorama That Explores Alaska’s Amazing Features
  • How to Make a Native American Triorama Highlighting Tribes in 3 Regions
  • How to Make A Pyramid Diorama For States Of Matter
  • The Wonders of the Great Barrier Reef: An Ecosystem Triorama

Finally, look at how to make this pyramid diorama for states of matter.

HOW TO MAKE A PYRAMID DIORAMA FOR STATES OF MATTER

You will need:

  • 12×12 Cardstock
  • Fine line pens
  • Markers, crayons, or colored pencils
How to Make A Pyramid Diorama For States Of Matter

First, choose your states of matter- Liquid, gas, solid, plasma and then choose which substance will represent each.

We are going to go with water, ice, and steam to keep it simple for this triorama but encourage your child to branch out into new states of matter as well.

To create your pyramid we are going to need to fold and cut that square, start by folding it from diagonal corner to corner like this.

How to Make A Pyramid Diorama For States Of Matter

Open the fold and do it again in the opposite direction so that you now have two intersecting lines across the paper.

How to Make A Pyramid Diorama For States Of Matter

Cut from one corner until you just get to the center point.

Put an X on one of the triangles on one side of the cut or the other to note which piece will be glued and hidden. I like to leave most of our trioramas flat until they are completed because it makes it so much easier to write or draw on a flat surface.

How to Make A Pyramid Diorama For States Of Matter

On another sheet of cardstock your child can draw states of matter in whatever form they have chosen, keeping them small enough to fit on the page with room for information.

How to Make A Pyramid Diorama For States Of Matter

Color them in.

How to Make A Pyramid Diorama For States Of Matter

Cut around the images.

Trace the image shapes onto your 3 triangles of the folded paper so you can write without worry of covering up the words.

How to Make A Pyramid Diorama For States Of Matter

To make our images literally pop off the page we are going to accordion fold strips of cardstock just a few times and then glue them to the back of the images and set aside.

How to Make A Pyramid Diorama For States Of Matter

On the 3 folded triangles have your child write all about a state of matter on each, leaving the outlined space free.

How to Make A Pyramid Diorama For States Of Matter

Attach the pictures by the strips to the designated area on the page.

How to Make A Pyramid Diorama For States Of Matter

Fold the X under the other side and glue securely into place to form your pyramid.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: elementary science, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolscience, physical science, science, states of matter, triorama, trioramas

How to Make a Native American Triorama Highlighting Tribes in 3 Regions

January 11, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Compare 3 different regions with a Native American Triorama that focuses on each with contrasts and similarities. Also, look at my page Trioramas: How To Create Engaging Visual Narratives For Kids for more ideas. Too, you’ll love my page Native American Unit Study for Kids Who Love Hands-on Learning.

While they had much in common, the tribes of the coast, desert, and plains were each unique with their own traditions and way of life.

The Coastal Indians relied on the bounty of the sea.

How to Make a Native American Triorama Highlighting Tribes in 3 Regions

The Desert Indians adapted to arid conditions through agriculture and resourcefulness, and the Plains Indians followed the buffalo across the vast grasslands.

Let’s look at each of these areas and then translate that into a hands-on activity that gives students a wonderful canvas for sharing what they have learned about each.

Your child can include any features of each tribe on the 3 sides of your Native American triorama that you like.

For example, there are war facts, ceremonies, clothing to food, states they lived in, homes, and more.

For this project we focused on food, clothing, and homes.

To make this triorama really unique we decided to do it in a torn paper collage style, adding small details with markers.

This not only is great for building up fine motor skills but also creates a colorful and interesting display.

NATIVE AMERICAN BOOKS FOR KIDS

Then look at these books about Native Americans.

16 Books About Native Americans

You’ll love these books about various Native American tribes and how they lived and their rich history.

The Winter People

Saxso is fourteen when the British attack his village. It’s 1759, and war is raging in the northeast between the British and the French, with the Abenaki people Saxso’s people by their side. Without enough warriors
to defend their homes, Saxso’s village is burned to the ground. Many people are killed, but some, including Saxso’s mother and two sisters, are taken hostage. Now it’s up to Saxso, on his own, to track the raiders and bring his family back home . . . before it’s too late.

In Their Own Words: Sitting Bull

In Their Own Words: Sitting Bull tells the exciting story of Sitting Bull's life using real drawings, letters, and speeches from him and from his friends and family.A warrior I have been. / Now, it is all over. / A hard time I have.With these words, Sitting Bull surrendered to the U.S. government on July 20, 1881. Sitting Bull spent most of his life trying to protect his people. A proud father and brave warrior, Sitting Bull wanted the Lakota Sioux to continue hunting buffalo and roaming the Plains. Although he lost this battle, Sitting Bull is remembered for his brave actions and notable accomplishments.

Blackfeet Indian Stories

Here are the great stories of the Blackfeet, recorded by the famous conservationist and ethnologist, George Bird Grinnell, who became a tribal member in 1885. The Nizitapi, or Real People, as they call each other, were people of the buffalo. They originated on the plains of today’s southern Alberta, western Saskatchewan, and central Montana. Famed frontier artist George Catlin called the Blackfeet “the most
powerful tribe of Indians on the continent.” Like many native people, the Blackfeet have stories and legends that originated centuries ago, perhaps thousands of years ago, and were passed down from generation to generation through an oral tradition.

The Double Life of Pocahontas

In a story that is as gripping as it is historical, Newbery Honor-winning author Jean Fritz reveals the true life of Pocahontas. Though at first permitted to move freely between the Indian and the white worlds, Pocahontas was eventually torn between her new life and the culture that shaped her.

The Buffalo and the Indians: A Shared Destiny

Countless herds of majestic buffalo once roamed across the plains and prairies of North America. For at least 10,000 years, the native people hunted the buffalo and depended upon its meat and hide for their survival. But to the Indians, the buffalo was also considered sacred. They saw this abundant, powerful animal as another tribe, one that was closely related to them, and they treated it with great respect and admiration.

Hidden Roots

"Hidden Roots" focuses on the greater impact that the generations of Abenaki that followed had to deal with. Readers will learn about the loss of identity, history and culture;lack ofself worth and fear that Abenaki people were feeling, and still feel today. Middle grade readers love to see life as "being fair", and will totally understand that life is not fair in this story. This is a book that should be read in every middle school class, so that this history will not be forgotten, and never be repeated.

Children of the Longhouse

When Ohkwa'ri overhears a group of older boys planning a raid on a neighboring village, he immediately tells his Mohawk elders. He has done the right thing—but he has also made enemies. Grabber and his friends will do anything they can to hurt him, especially during the village-wide game of Tekwaarathon (lacrosse). Ohkwa'ri believes in the path of peace, but can peaceful ways work against Grabber's wrath?

Thunder Rolling in the Mountains

Through the eyes of a brave and in­dependent young woman, Scott O'Dell tells of the tragic defeat of the Nez Perce, a classic tale of cruelty, betrayal, and heroism.

This powerful account of the tragic defeat of the Nez Perce Indians in 1877 by the United States Army is narrated by Chief Joseph's strong and brave daughter.

When Sound of Running Feet first sees white settlers on Nez Perce land, she vows to fight them. She'll fight all the people trying to steal her people's land and to force them onto a reservation, includ­ing the soldiers with their guns.

But if to fight means only to die, never win, is the fight worth it? When will the killing stop?

Black Hawk

Before dying, Pyesa, Black Hawk’s father and chief of his people, commanded his son to defend their land from whites, who were trying to force the tribe off their land. Black Hawk, however, has no taste for killing and scalping and goes through great internal conflict. The story of this great-hearted leader shows how some whites and Native Americans were peaceful and kind, while others were not. Based on true events, this powerful book teaches about a difficult time period and shares profound, unique messages about love, faith, mercy, humility, friendship, forgiveness, and faith. Recommended for ages 13-18/Grade 7-12

Moccasin Trail (Puffin Newbery Library)

Jim Keath has lived for six years as a Crow Indian when he learns that his two younger brothers and a sister are journeying west to take up land. Although Jim finds it difficult to fit in with the family he hasn’t seen since childhood, and though they are wary and distrustful of him, Jim feels his duty is at their side. But slowly, as they survive the dangerous trek west, the perils of frontier life, and the kidnapping of their younger brother, Jim and his family realize that the only way to survive is to accept each other and truly reunite the family.

The Pueblo Indians,: Farmers of the Rio Grande

Young hawk lived over 400 years ago, but the civilization of the pueblo indians, already well advanced before any white settlers came into their land, has changed very little since his day.

Sacajawea

Captured by her enemies, married to a foreigner, and a mother at age sixteen, Sacajawea lived a life of turmoil and change. Then, in 1804, the mysterious young Shoshone woman met Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. Acting as interpreter, peacemaker, and guide, Sacajawea bravely embarked on an epic journey that altered history forever. Hear her extraordinary story, in the voices of Sacajawea and William Clark in alternating chapters, with selections from Clark’s original diaries.

The Birchbark House (Birchbark House, 1)

She was named Omakakiins, or Little Frog, because her first step was a hop.

Omakakiins and her family live on an island in Lake Superior. Though there are growing numbers of white people encroaching on their land, life continues much as it always has.

But the satisfying rhythms of their life are shattered when a visitor comes to their lodge one winter night, bringing with him an invisible enemy that will change things forever—but that will eventually lead Omakakiins to discover her calling.

Naya Nuki: Shoshoni Girl Who Ran (Amazing Indian Children Series)

After being taken prisoner by an enemy tribe, a Shoshoni girl escapes and makes a thousand-mile journey through the wilderness to find her own people

Squanto, Friend Of The Pilgrims

Tells of the adventurous life of the Wampanoag Indian,Squanto.

Plains Indians (First Nations of North America)

This title teaches readers about the first people to live in the Plains region of North America. It discusses their culture, customs, ways of life, interactions with other settlers, and their lives today.

Next look at some of these facts about Native Americans.

I’ve some facts for each region.

COASTAL INDIANS/PACIFIC NORTHWEST

The indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest coast were remarkably diverse, made up of numerous tribes and language groups in the region.

These tribes included Chinook, Nez Perce, Haidi, Kwakiutl, Makah, and Tlingit.  Fishing,in particular salmon, was important to their existence.

They also spent much time hunting, gathering, and shellfish harvesting. The coastal tribes were known for their woodworking skills- crafting intricate canoes, totem poles, and longhouses.

Their longhouses, made from planks of tall cedar trees, were often elaborately decorated and used as dwellings for extended families and centers of community life.

Social structures were complex, with hereditary chiefs, skilled artisans, and warriors playing important roles.

Potlatches, ceremonial feasts involving gift-giving and displays of wealth, were central to social and economic relations.

How to Make a Native American Triorama Highlighting Tribes in 3 Regions

Learn how to draw a Pacific Northwest Coast Wolf head in the style of the tribes of the area.

DESERT INDIANS/SOUTHWEST

The dry and beautiful landscapes of the Southwest were home to diverse indigenous cultures that adapted remarkably to the harsh environment.

The Pueblo people, known for their adobe villages and sophisticated irrigation systems, cultivated crops like corn, beans, and squash.

The Navajo and Apache, semi-nomadic tribes, were skilled hunters and gatherers who also raised livestock.

 The Hopi, Zuni, and other Puebloan groups developed intricate pottery, weaving, and jewelry-making traditions.

Religion and spirituality were deeply ingrained in daily life, with elaborate ceremonies and rituals marking the changing seasons and ensuring agricultural success.

Cliff dwellings, such as those at Mesa Verde, and kivas, underground ceremonial chambers show the ingenuity and resilience of the desert-dwelling peoples.

How to Make a Native American Triorama Highlighting Tribes in 3 Regions

Learn how to make Adobe Bricks and look at my post Exploring Navajo Crafts for Kids: How to Make a Medicine Bag.

PLAINS INDIANS

The vast grasslands of the Great Plains supported a nomadic lifestyle centered on the buffalo. Tribes like the Sioux, Cheyenne, Comanche, and Blackfeet followed the herds, relying on them for food, clothing, shelter, and tools.

 Horses, later introduced by Europeans, revolutionized Plains Indian life, enabling greater mobility and hunting prowess.

Their homes were -Tipis, portable dwellings made of buffalo hides, and perfectly suited to their nomadic lifestyle.

Warfare, often driven by competition for resources and territory, was a significant aspect of Plains Indian culture. Warriors were highly respected, and their bravery and skill in battle were celebrated.

Spirituality was deeply connected to the natural world, with the sun, moon, and animals holding special significance.

The Sun Dance, a major religious ceremony, was a time for prayer, fasting, and renewal.

How to Make a Native American Triorama Highlighting Tribes in 3 Regions

For the plains Indian study you can include this How to Make a Kid’s Paper Bag Native American Vest and my page Native Americans The Plains Indians Unit Study & Lapbook.

Then look at these other themed ideas.

MORE TRIORAMA IDEAS

  • How to Make an Easy Rainforest Triorama With Kids
  • How to Make a Water, Land, and Sky Animal Habitat Triorama
  • How to Make an Amazing Shakespeare Triorama Book Report
  • How to Make a Cool Greek Mythology Triorama With Kids
  • How to Make a Giant Triorama Project About Cherokee Culture
  • How to Make A Desert Triorama About the Gobi, Sahara, & Antarctica
  • Amazing Geography Landforms: An Engaging Triorama Tutorial for Kids
  • How to Make a Triorama Teaching the Primary Colors with Dollar Tree Supplies
  • How To Build A Water Habitat Triorama With Kids
  • How to Craft a Stunning Wolf Animal Triorama
  • How to Make a Biome Triorama That Explores Alaska’s Amazing Features
  • How to Make a Native American Triorama Highlighting Tribes in 3 Regions
  • How to Make A Pyramid Diorama For States Of Matter
  • The Wonders of the Great Barrier Reef: An Ecosystem Triorama

HOW TO MAKE A NATIVE AMERICAN TRIORAMA

Finally, look at how make this Native American Triorama.

How to Make a Native American Triorama Highlighting Tribes in 3 Regions

You will need:

  • 3 -12×12 sheets of cardstock
  • Colorful construction paper
  • Glue sticks
  • Scissors
How to Make a Native American Triorama Highlighting Tribes in 3 Regions

First, fold all 3 sheets of cardstock from diagonal corners to form a triangle, crease well.

How to Make a Native American Triorama Highlighting Tribes in 3 Regions

Open and fold on the opposite corners, creasing again.

Open your paper and you should have 2 crisp intersecting lines.

How to Make a Native American Triorama Highlighting Tribes in 3 Regions

Cut from one corner to the center.

How to Make a Native American Triorama Highlighting Tribes in 3 Regions

And write ‘glue’ one either one of your cut sides to mark the triangle that will not be showing.

Leave your pieces open for easier decorating, we will glue them into their pyramid shape later.

Start by writing the tribal region alongside one corner.

How to Make a Native American Triorama Highlighting Tribes in 3 Regions

Then on each of the bottom corner write the features you will be highlighting- homes, dress, food.

Now, the fun really begins- shred, tear, or you could even use a hole punch to create your small pieces of all the colors you will need based on the images you have chosen to represent your tribes.

How to Make a Native American Triorama Highlighting Tribes in 3 Regions

Use glue to attach the torn bits of paper to the corresponding triangles to create your designs.

Allow to dry then assemble your triorama by folding the one marked glue underneath the opposite one and attaching with a generous amount of glue.

How to Make a Native American Triorama Highlighting Tribes in 3 Regions

Line your 3 trioramas up to compare the very different regions.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, homeschool, Native Americans, nativeamerican, nativeamericans, triorama, trioramas

How to Craft a Stunning Wolf Animal Triorama

January 9, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Create a stunning animal triorama with me that highlights the habitat and food chain of the wolf. Also, look at my page Trioramas: How To Create Engaging Visual Narratives For Kids for more ideas.

The food chain is pretty simple.

Plants, shrubs, and trees are the main producers in a forest food web.

How to Craft a Stunning Wolf Animal Triorama

They use photosynthesis to create their own food.

When they are eaten by primary consumers (herbivores like deer and elk) the energy and nutrients move from plants to the herbivores consuming them.

And then to the carnivores or omnivores preying upon the herbivores.

Wolves are tertiary consumers/top carnivores in the chain because they are at the top of the food chain.

They prefer to eat large hoofed mammals such as deer, elk, bison, and moose.

But they will also hunt smaller mammals such as beavers, rodents, and hares.

Besides ruling at the top of the food chain, wolves live and thrive in diverse habitats from the tundra to woodlands, forests, grasslands and deserts.

We will recreate one of those habitats in our triorama as well as learning fascinating facts about these apex predators.

And even choose another hands-on activity or two to round out a study.

BOOKS ABOUT WOLVES FOR KIDS

First, look at some of these books about wolves.

Reading and learning about wolves through living books is our preferred way to learn.

10 Books About Wolves

Add some of these fun books about wolves to your home library. Use them for a fun wolf unit study or just reading for the day.

Look to the North: A Wolf Pup Diary

Newbery Medalist Jean Craighead George lovingly tells the story of three wolf pups--from the moment they open their eyes to the time they lead the hunt. Lyrical passages in her wolf pup diary describe how the pups tumble and play and when they first learn to howl and talk wolf talk. Readers are reminded of the changes in nature that are happening in the lower 48 states as they "look to the north" to watch the wolf pups grow. Jean George's words and Lucia Washburn's breathtaking paintings give the reader a rare glimpse of one of nature's noblest creatures: the wolf.

Julie of the Wolves: A Newbery Award Winner

To her small village, she is known as Miyax; to her friend in San Francisco, she is Julie. When her life in the village becomes dangerous, Miyax runs away, only to find herself lost in the Alaskan wilderness.

Miyax tries to survive by copying the ways of a pack of wolves and soon grows to love her new wolf family. Life in the wilderness is a struggle, but when she finds her way back to civilization, Miyax is torn between her old and new lives. Is she the Miyax of her human village—or Julie of the wolves?

The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: Book I: The Mysterious Howling

Discovered in the forest of Ashton Place, the Incorrigibles are no ordinary children. Luckily, Miss Penelope Lumley is no ordinary governess. A recent graduate of the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, Penelope embraces the challenge of her new position. Though she is eager to instruct the children in Latin verbs and the proper use of globes, first she must eliminate their canine tendencies.

White Fang

From Jack London, one of the greatest American writers of all time, comes this masterpiece in adventure story telling: WHITE FANG!!!
Can White Fang the timber wolf pup ever be tamed? WHITE FANG (PART 1 of 2) examines the violent world of wild animals and the equally violent world of humans. WHITE FANG! A tale of animal heroism, survival and adventure like never before seen in American literature.

The Wolves Are Back

Introduces young readers to the beauty and majesty of these creatures of the wild, the areas in which they live and breed today, and the way they almost came to extinction at the hands of man through intentional acts of persecution during the past one hundred years.

A Wolf Called Wander (A Voice of the Wilderness Novel)

This gripping novel about survival and family is based on the real story of one wolf’s incredible journey to find a safe place to call
home. Illustrated throughout, this irresistible tale by award-winning author Rosanne Parry is for fans of Sara Pennypacker’s Pax and Katherine Applegate’s The One and Only Ivan.

Swift, a young wolf cub, lives with his pack in the mountains learning to hunt, competing with his brothers and sisters for hierarchy, and watching over a new litter of cubs. Then a rival pack attacks, and Swift and his family scatter.

Alone and scared, Swift must flee and find a new home. His journey takes him a remarkable one thousand miles across the Pacific Northwest. The trip is full of peril, and Swift encounters forest fires, hunters, highways, and hunger before he finds his new home.

The Moon of the Gray Wolves (The Thirteen Moons Series)

Describes the experiences of a wolf pack in the Toklat Pass of Alaska during the November moon.

Kavik the Wolf Dog

When Andy Evans stumbles upon the snow-covered wreckage of a small plane, he’s shocked to find a survivor. Should he put the gravely injured dog out of his misery? The look in the animal’s eyes says he’s not ready to die. It turns out that Kävik’s a champion sled dog, and soon he makes a full recovery. When his rightful owner finds out Kävikvis alive, he wants the dog back. But Kävik has other ideas.

When the Wolves Returned: Restoring Nature's Balance in Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park's majestic geologic wonders and remarkable wildlife draw millions of visitors each year. But there was a time when these natural treasures were in great danger, all because after years of unrestricted hunting, one key piece of the puzzle had been eliminated-the wolf. Now, more than a decade after scientists realized the wolves' essential role and returned them to Yellowstone, the park's natural balance is gradually being restored. The informative dual-level text and spectacular full-color photographs show the wolves in the natural habitat that was almost lost without them. Readers of all ages will be inspired by the delicate natural system that is Yellowstone.

The Wolf Wilder

Feo’s life is extraordinary. Her mother trains domesticated wolves to be able to fend for themselves in the snowy wilderness of Russia, and Feo is following in her footsteps to become a wolf wilder. She loves taking care of the wolves, especially the three who stay at the house because they refuse to leave Feo, even though they’ve already been wilded. But not everyone is enamored with the wolves, or with the fact that Feo and her mother are turning them wild. And when her mother is taken captive, Feo must travel through the cold, harsh woods to save her—and learn from her wolves how to survive.

There are three widely recognized species of wolves in the world, the red, the gray, and the Ethiopian wolf.

However, there is debate over how many there actually are with various subspecies and whether some should be considered their own species.

WOLF FACTS

Our project focused on the timber wolf, the largest and most commonly known but you can choose any one you like and create a habitat and food cycle to match it.

Too, look at these facts about wolves.

  • Wolves live in family groups called packs, which typically consist of a breeding pair (the alpha male and alpha female), their offspring, and other nonbreeding adults.
  • Howling is one of the most iconic wolf behaviors. Wolves howl for various reasons, including communicating with other pack members, marking territory, and attracting mates.
  • Their thick fur protects them from harsh weather and comes in various colors, including gray, white, black, and brown. The color often helps them blend in with their surroundings.
  • Wolves are carnivores and primarily feed on meat, they are very skilled hunters and work together to take down large prey such as deer, elk, moose, and caribou.
  • They need a lot of space to supply them with enough prey. The territories of Gray wolves range from 50 to 1,000 square miles and they will travel up to 30 miles a day when hunting.
How to Craft a Stunning Wolf Animal Triorama

Then look at these other themed ideas.

MORE TRIORAMA IDEAS

  • How to Make an Easy Rainforest Triorama With Kids
  • How to Make a Water, Land, and Sky Animal Habitat Triorama
  • How to Make an Amazing Shakespeare Triorama Book Report
  • How to Make a Cool Greek Mythology Triorama With Kids
  • How to Make a Giant Triorama Project About Cherokee Culture
  • How to Make A Desert Triorama About the Gobi, Sahara, & Antarctica
  • Amazing Geography Landforms: An Engaging Triorama Tutorial for Kids
  • How to Make a Triorama Teaching the Primary Colors with Dollar Tree Supplies
  • How To Build A Water Habitat Triorama With Kids
  • How to Craft a Stunning Wolf Animal Triorama
  • How to Make a Biome Triorama That Explores Alaska’s Amazing Features
  • How to Make a Native American Triorama Highlighting Tribes in 3 Regions
  • How to Make A Pyramid Diorama For States Of Matter
  • The Wonders of the Great Barrier Reef: An Ecosystem Triorama

Then, look at these hands-on activities to learn about wolves.

HANDS-ON WOLF CRAFTS AND ACTIVITIES

Create a simple Paper Plate Wolf Craft using one of the most inexpensive and versatile craft supplies around.

Julie of the Wolves Free Hands-on Arctic Unit Study

This Felt Covered Wolf Notebook Tutorial is perfect for middle and highschoolers, they can even use it as a special project to hold their research while studying wolves.

Look at wolf scat here at my post 10 Gross Scat Facts and How to Make Edible Scat.

If you are looking for a beautifully aesthetic sensory play activity this Midnight Moon Play Box is gorgeous.

Make Your Own Origami Wolf.

Learn How to Make the Cutest Yarn Pom Pom Wolves here.

Watch Wolves for Kids and learn more about these beautiful but dangerous creatures.

How to Craft a Stunning Wolf Animal Triorama

Finally, look at how to make this wolf animal triorama.

HOW TO CRAFT A STUNNING WOLF ANIMAL TRIORAMA

You will need:

  • Any size square of cardstock
  • Plastic wolf
  • Plastic prey animals-elk, deer,etc…
  • Markers,crayons
  • Scissors
How to Craft a Stunning Wolf Animal Triorama

First, to quickly create an 8×8 square from a standard sized cardstock sheet ( 8.5×11) you just need to fold one corner down like this until it is lined up with the bottom.

Usually, we would cut this part off to make a perfect square, but for this triorama we are just going to fold it back out of the way and use it later.

How to Craft a Stunning Wolf Animal Triorama

Fold the opposite corner in the same way, as you make each fold press in the crease well to give it sharp folds.

How to Craft a Stunning Wolf Animal Triorama

Open the square and cut from one outer corner to the center, mark one triangle on either side of the cut to be the base that will be tucked under and not seen.

You want this to be on a corner opposite the excess flap of paper.

How to Craft a Stunning Wolf Animal Triorama

On the remaining corners we are going to highlight one of 3 different parts of the food chain, the wolf, a prey animal, and the last for the vegetation that the prey animal eats.

Use crayons, markers, or colored pencils to color in the background for each scene. You can also use real grass or moss to create more dimension.

How to Craft a Stunning Wolf Animal Triorama

Have your child label each of the triangles with the animal or food represented.

Now on the remaining flap your child can write a paragraph about the food chain they have created to finish it off.

Fold the cut piece one side behind the other and glue into place to form your triorama.

Use double sided tape or a bit of glue to put your animal figurines in place.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolscience, life science, science, trioramas, wolves

How To Build A Water Habitat Triorama With Kids

January 8, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

You can build any kind of habitat triorama to display what you have learned. Also, look at my page Trioramas: How To Create Engaging Visual Narratives For Kids for more ideas.

Today, I’m focusing on a water habitat triorama, specifically an ocean one.

The ocean is a vast and mysterious place.

How To Build A Water Habitat Triorama With Kids

It is home to a wide variety of plants and animals.

There are many different habitats within the ocean, each with its own unique features.

It covers over 70% of the Earth’s surface and is home to a diverse range of marine life.

Ocean habitats can be classified into two main types: pelagic and benthic.

OCEAN BOOKS FOR KIDS

Next, look at these fun ocean books for kids I’ve rounded up.

When possible we prefer to read living books.

16 Ocean Books for Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

Choose a few of these ocean themed books to go along with your study of the Oceans. Whether you're looking for a spine for a unit study or literature, you'll love this roundup.

The Burgess Seashore Book for Children in color

Join Danny Meadow Mouse, Jimmy Skunk, and Reddy Fox as they explore the seashore and take a closer look at the habits and habitats of the creatures they find. Discover the Seahorse, Shrimp, Crab, Anemone, Gull, and so many more.

The Burgess Seashore Book for Children is a wonderful way to introduce young ones to the fascinating world beneath us and is a perfect compliment to earlier books in this series, the Bird, Animal, and Flower books.

This edition is complete and unabridged with all of the beautiful illustrations by W.H. Southwick and George Sutton

Seaside Naturalist: Seaside Naturalist

Seaside Naturalist is an illustrated guide to marine plants and animals includes the characteristics of protozoa, arthropods, sponges, mollusks, reptiles, birds, fish, and mammals.

The Big Book of the Blue (The Big Book Series)

The book opens by explaining how different types of animals are able to breathe and survive underwater, and the different families to which they belong. Subsequent pages are dedicated to specific creatures, including sea turtles, whales, sharks, stingrays, and seahorses, and show varied life in specific habitats, such as a coral reef or deep sea bed. The Big Book of the Blue also explores the underwater world thematically, looking at animals in danger, learning how to spot creatures at the beach, and discovering how to do our part to save sea life. Beautiful and filled with fascinating facts, young, curious readers won’t be able to tear their eyes away from the page.

Scott O'Dell Set: Island of the Blue Dolphins + Zia

Island of the Blue Dolphins begins with a young girl named Karana who is living on the Island of the Blue Dolphins (fancy name, right?) with her younger brother, Ramo, and sister, Ulape. One day, a group of Russian hunters (Aleutians) land on the island to hunt for otter. This is when the trouble really begins.

Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau (Underwater Picture Book for Kids)

Once upon a time in France, a baby was born under the summer sun. His parents named him Jacques. As he grew, Jacques fell in love with the sea. He dreamed of breathing beneath the waves and swimming as gracefully as a fish. In fact, he longed to become a manfish. Jacques Cousteau grew up to become a champion of the seas and one of the best-known oceanographers in the world. In this lovely biography, now in paperback, poetic text and gorgeous paintings come together to create a portrait of Cousteau that is as magical as it is inspiring.

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas (Illustrated 1875 Edition):

A beautiful edition with 110 images from the 1875 English edition. Use Amazon's Look inside feature to compare this edition with others. You'll be impressed by the differences. Don't be fooled by other versions that have no illustrations or contain very small print. Reading our edition will make you feel that you are traveling the seas with Captain Nemo himself.

Swiss Family Robinson (Illustrated Classic): 200th Anniversary Collection

More than 100 original illustrations by Louis Rhead. You want to read this book with illustrations.

An introduction by W. D. Howells.

Nicely formatted text in an easy-to-read font.

A beautiful cover from the 1891 edition.

Ocean: A Visual Encyclopedia

Embark on a captivating tour of the waters that cover 70 percent of our planet! See our oceans come to life in mind-blowing detail. This is the ultimate children’s visual encyclopedia about the awe-inspiring blue planet! 

Secrets of the Sea: The Story of Jeanne Power, Revolutionary Marine Scientist

How did a nineteenth-century dressmaker revolutionize science? Jeanne Power was creative: she wanted to learn about the creatures that swim beneath the ocean waves, so she built glass tanks and changed the way we study underwater life forever. Jeanne Power was groundbreaking: she solved mysteries of sea animals and published her findings at a time when few of women’s contributions to science were acknowledged. Jeanne Power was persistent: when records of her research were lost, she set to work repeating her studies. And when men tried to take credit for her achievements, she stood firm and insisted on the recognition due to her.

Ocean Anatomy: The Curious Parts & Pieces of the World under the Sea

Follow Rothman’s inquisitive mind and perceptive eye along shorelines, across the open ocean, and below the waves for an artistic exploration of the watery universe. Through her drawings, discover how the world’s oceans formed, why the sea is salty, and the forces behind oceanic phenomena such as rogue waves. Colorful anatomical profiles of sea creatures from crustacean to cetacean, surveys of seafaring vessels and lighthouses, and the impact of plastic and warming water temperatures are just part of this compendium of curiosities that will entertain and educate readers of all ages. 

The Fascinating Ocean Book for Kids: 500 Incredible Facts!

Do you know a kid who’s captivated by what goes on beneath the ocean’s surface? This amazing entry into ocean books for kids is packed with hundreds of incredible facts for hours of underwater exploration. Pages of full-color pictures feature life in and around the sea including fish, dolphins, and shipwrecks!

All About Bioluminescence: Deep Sea Animals

Dive into the mesmerizing world of bioluminescence with "All About Bioluminescence." In this captivating book, readers embark on a journey through the depths of the ocean to discover the extraordinary glow-in-the-dark creatures that inhabit its mysterious realm. From the enchanting sea angel to the infamous anglerfish, each page is filled with stunning illustrations and fascinating facts about these luminous beings.With a focus on deep-sea dwellers, readers will uncover the secrets behind bioluminescence and learn how these creatures use light to communicate, camouflage, and lure prey. But the adventure doesn't stop there! "All About Bioluminescence" also includes hands-on activities like a glow stick experiment, allowing readers to experience the magic of bioluminescence firsthand.

Treasure Island (Dover Thrift Editions: Classic Novels)

One of the most enduringly popular adventure tales, Treasure Island began in 1881 as a serialized adventure entitled "The Sea-Cook"in the periodical Young Folks. Completed during a stay at Davos, Switzerland, where Stevenson had gone for his health, it was published in 1883 in the form we know today.Set in the eighteenth century, Treasure Island spins a heady tale of piracy, a mysterious treasure map, and a host of sinister characters charged with diabolical intentions. Seen through the eyes of Jim Hawkins, the cabin boy of the Hispaniola, the action-packed adventure tells of a perilous sea journey across the Spanish Main, a mutiny led by the infamous Long John Silver, and a lethal scramble for buried treasure on an exotic isle.

Oceans and Seas!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids

In Oceans and Seas! With 25 Science Projects for Kids readers ages 7 though 10 dive into the underwater world of some of the most amazing landscapes on Earth. On this amazing underwater adventure, kids experience the ocean’s tropical reefs and spot crabs, sea sponges, and thousands of kinds of fish darting in its crags and folds. They’ll meet a giant squid with eyes the size of dinner plates and an mbrella-like bioluminescent jellyfish.

Discover the Oceans: The World's Largest Ecosystem (Discover Your World)

From both a historical and scientific point of view, above and below the surface, this engaging guide brings the world’s oceans to life through fun facts, illustrations, and in-depth information. Interactive activities appear throughout, ranging from making solar stills and simple fishing spears to experimenting with a homemade diving bell and figuring out how much water it really takes to survive. With the oceans being the least explored environment on Earth, this reference illuminates some of the most incredible and surprising plants and animals as well as how to survive and navigate these vast expanses.

Pagoo

An intricate study of tide pool life is presented in text and pictures through the story of Pagoo, a her-mit crab.

Then, have your child choose one of either the broad habitats below or the smaller more specific ones and recreate it with a simple triorama.

WATER HABITAT TRIORAMA – OCEAN HABITATS 

Pelagic Habitats

Pelagic habitats are the open waters of the ocean, away from the coast and the seafloor. They can be further divided into two zones: the epipelagic zone and the mesopelagic zone.

  • Epipelagic Zone: The epipelagic zone is the sunlit surface layer of the ocean, extending from the surface to a depth of about 650 feet. This zone is home to a wide variety of marine life, including phytoplankton, zooplankton, fish, and seabirds.
  • Mesopelagic Zone: The mesopelagic zone is the twilight zone of the ocean, extending from a depth of 200 meters to about 280 feet. This zone is home to a variety of marine life, including jellyfish, squid, and deep-sea fish.

Benthic Habitats

Benthic habitats are the habitats found on the ocean floor. They can be divided into two zones: the continental shelf and the deep sea.

  • Continental Shelf: The continental shelf is the gently sloping area of the ocean floor that extends from the coastline to a depth of about 650 feet. This zone is home to a variety of marine life, including coral reefs, kelp forests, and seagrass beds.

Deep Sea: The deep sea is the vast, dark region of the ocean floor that extends from a depth of about 1,000 meters to the deepest part of the ocean, the Mariana Trench, which is over 36,000 feet deep.

This zone is home to a variety of marine life, including hydrothermal vents, anglerfish,giant squid,  and deep-sea fish.

Ocean Anatomy was a wonderful resource to use while putting together the triorama, there was even a nice layout about Kelp forests.

How To Build A Water Habitat Triorama With Kids

MORE TRIORAMA IDEAS

  • How to Make an Easy Rainforest Triorama With Kids
  • How to Make a Water, Land, and Sky Animal Habitat Triorama
  • How to Make an Amazing Shakespeare Triorama Book Report
  • How to Make a Cool Greek Mythology Triorama With Kids
  • How to Make a Giant Triorama Project About Cherokee Culture
  • How to Make A Desert Triorama About the Gobi, Sahara, & Antarctica
  • Amazing Geography Landforms: An Engaging Triorama Tutorial for Kids
  • How to Make a Triorama Teaching the Primary Colors with Dollar Tree Supplies
  • How To Build A Water Habitat Triorama With Kids
  • How to Craft a Stunning Wolf Animal Triorama
  • How to Make a Biome Triorama That Explores Alaska’s Amazing Features
  • How to Make a Native American Triorama Highlighting Tribes in 3 Regions
  • How to Make A Pyramid Diorama For States Of Matter
  • The Wonders of the Great Barrier Reef: An Ecosystem Triorama

Now read a little more in depth on some of the habitats in the ocean.

4 OCEAN HABITATS

1. Coral Reefs

Coral reefs are one of the most diverse and beautiful habitats in the ocean. They are made up of colonies of tiny animals called coral polyps.

Coral polyps build hard skeletons made of calcium carbonate, which form the structure of the reef. Coral reefs are home to a variety of fish, invertebrates, and algae.

2. Kelp Forests

Kelp forests are underwater forests made up of giant kelp seaweed. They can grow up to 100 feet tall and forms dense underwater canopies.

Kelp forests are home to a variety of fish, invertebrates, and mammals.

3. Seagrass Meadows

Seagrass meadows are underwater meadows made up of seagrass plants.

And seagrass is a type of flowering plant that grows in shallow coastal waters. Seagrass meadows are home to a variety of fish, invertebrates, and sea turtles.

4. Open Ocean

The open ocean is the vast, deep part of the ocean that is away from the coast. The open ocean is home to a variety of fish, whales, dolphins, and sharks.

How To Build A Water Habitat Triorama With Kids

Additionally, look at more ocean hands-on activities.

OCEAN HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

  • Crafty Ocean Adventures: How to Make a Paper Plate Stingray
  • How To Mix Glow In The Dark Slime Ingredients To Make Awesome Ocean Slime
  • Exploring The Ocean With Ice Experiments: Simple Sea Animal Rescue
  • Free Under the Sea Worksheets : Dive into the Ocean’s Wonders
  • Making Ocean Layers Soap
  • Beware of Ocean Pollution: Fun Science Activity for Kids
  • How to Make a Fun Paper Plate Fish | F is for Fish
  • Under the Sea Science Activities With Amazing Disappearing Octopus Ink
  • How do Fish Breathe Underwater Fun Activity & Animal Science Homeschool Curriculum

HOW TO BUILD A WATER HABITAT TRIORAMA WITH KIDS – KELP FOREST

You will need:

  • 12×12 cardstock-blue
  • Green pipe cleaners
  • Green tape
  • Hot glue
  • Sand
  • Craft glue/paintbrush
  • Plastic fish/creatures
How To Build A Water Habitat Triorama With Kids

First, take your 12×12 sheet of paper and fold it to form a triangle by folding diagonal corners.

Run either your finger or something hard like a craft stick along the crease to make it sharp.

Unfold it and repeat in the opposite direction.

How To Build A Water Habitat Triorama With Kids

Cut just from one corner to the center like this.

How To Build A Water Habitat Triorama With Kids

Fold one cut side under the other and secure with glue. I like to put something heavy on top of it for a few minutes until the glue really grabs hold.

 This blue will serve as a background for your ocean kelp forest.

 But the next thing we need to do is create the ocean floor. To do that you’re going to paint on a thick layer of school glue to the bottom triangle and sprinkle it with sand.

How To Build A Water Habitat Triorama With Kids

To create the kelp, we wanted to use something that would stand up on its own but still give that flexible wavy appearance, pipe cleaners were perfect for this.

Create kelp leaves by tearing off strips of green tape and attaching it and twisting onto the pipe cleaners to give it more definition and interest you can use several different shades of green.

How To Build A Water Habitat Triorama With Kids

Attach the kelp stalks to the walls and several to the center by hot gluing them to small flat rocks you can gather in your yard.

Kelp attaches itself to the rocky bottom of the ocean so this worked out well as an anchor for our purposes as well.

How To Build A Water Habitat Triorama With Kids

Create a thick and beautiful kelp forest by adding lots of kelp into your triorama.

How To Build A Water Habitat Triorama With Kids

 Now add your creatures like otters, fish crabs and other animals that you would find there.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, science, triorama, trioramas

How to Make a Triorama Teaching the Primary Colors with Dollar Tree Supplies

January 7, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I’m showing you how to make a triorama using Dollar Tree supplies to teach your little one primary colors. Also, look at my page Trioramas: How To Create Engaging Visual Narratives For Kids for more ideas.

Introducing primary colors—red, yellow, and blue—to preschoolers lays a strong foundation for their artistic and cognitive development.

How to Make a Triorama Teaching the Primary Colors with Dollar Tree Supplies

And there are so many fun ways to do it.

Once they have mastered primary colors (red, yellow, blue) you can move on to secondary colors (orange, purple, green) through color mixing.

Our activity today introduces children to the idea of color mixing primary colors to create new colors in a simple hands-on way.

Too, I have a rainbow of colorful ideas to help you teach them in the most fun ways.

Incorporating engaging activities is an effective way to teach primary colors to preschoolers, fostering their color recognition, artistic skills, and overall cognitive development.

BOOKS ABOUT COLORS FOR PRESCHOOL

Next, add some books that teach color concepts.

8 Books About Color

Add these books about color to your home library.

The Days The Crayons Quit

Beige is tired of playing second fiddle to Brown. Blue needs a break from coloring all that water, while Pink just wants to be used. Green has no complaints, but Black wants to be used for more than just outlining. And Orange and Yellow are no longer speaking—each believes he is the true color of the sun.What can Duncan possibly do to appease all of the crayons and get them back to doing what they do best?

Mix It Up!: Board Book Edition

Follow the artist's simple instructions, and suddenly colors appear . . . mix . . . splatter . . . and vanish in a vivid world powered only by the reader's imagination. The result is not only enchantment and giggles, but a real and deeper understanding of colors brought by a true master of his craft.

Mouse Paint

One day three white mice discover three jars of paint--red, blue, and yellow. But what happens when they splash in the colors, mixing the
red and blue? Or dance in the blue and yellow? This playful introduction
to colors will appeal to any budding artist or curious preschooler.

Green

Die cut pages bring surprise after surprise in this magical new book from the "Queen of the concept book"―an intricate and satisfying homage to green, the color of all creation.How many kinds of green are there? There's the lush green of a forest on a late spring day, the fresh, juicy green of a just-cut lime, the incandescent green of a firefly, and the vivid aquamarine of a tropical sea. In her newest book, Caldecott and Geisel Honor Book author Laura Vaccaro Seeger fashions an homage to a single color and, in doing so, creates a book that will delight and, quite possibly astonish you.

White Rabbit's Colors

White Rabbit finds three pots of paint―and discovers the magic of color!Young children will enjoy following Alan Baker's inquisitive LITTLE RABBITS as they make new discoveries. Simple storylines and playful artwork offer a fresh approach to learning early concepts.

Ruby, Violet, Lime: Looking for Color

Ruby flowers, violet quilts, lime frosting ― colors are all around us. How many colors can you find in the pages of this book?

Edible Colors: See, Learn, Eat

With a combination of unusual foods and a kaleidoscope of colors, this concept book shows that not all foods have to look the same way. A banana can be red, broccoli can be purple, and cherries can be yellow and still taste just as delicious.

Colors

A red fire truck races, orange pumpkins glow, and purple flowers bloom.Vivid pictures of familiar scenes, animals, and objects introduce future readers to color words and inspire them to look carefully at the world around them. Full of striking close-ups on fruits, flowers, and animals, as well as striking portraits of kids from diverse backgrounds, Colors is a bright, brilliant concept book from the creator of the award-winning Shades of People.

Before we get to our tutorial on how to make a triorama for young learners which teaches primary colors, here are some other great ideas with you.

TEACHING PRIMARY COLORS WITH HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES

Color Conversations –  Regularly point out and name primary colors in everyday objects like toys, clothing, food, and nature. “Look at the blue sky!” or “Your banana is yellow!”

Color Themed Days- Dedicate specific days to each primary color, encouraging children to wear that color or bring in objects of that color.

Color Sorting- Provide a basket of objects in various colors and have children sort them into primary color groups.

I Spy with Colors-  “I spy something red!” Children search for an object matching the called-out color.

Color Matching- Create cards with primary color blocks and matching pictures of objects (red apple, yellow sun, blue bird). Children match the colors and objects.

Color Scavenger Hunt- Give children a list of primary colors and have them find objects of those colors.

Finger Painting-  Provide red, yellow, and blue paint and let children explore mixing the colors with their fingers.

Color Mixing with Watercolors-  Demonstrate how mixing primary colors creates secondary colors (red + yellow = orange, yellow + blue = green, blue + red = purple).

Rainbow Art- Encourage children to create rainbows using various materials like crayons, paint, or colored paper.

Primary Color Collages-  Provide red, yellow, and blue paper and have children tear and glue them to create collages.

HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES TO TEACH COLORS

Colored Rice or Pasta-  Dye rice or pasta red, yellow, and blue and let children explore the textures and colors.

Color Mixing with Playdough–  Provide red, yellow, and blue playdough and encourage children to mix the colors.

Water Play with Food Coloring- Add red, yellow, and blue food coloring to water and let children experiment with color mixing.

Color Songs– Sing songs about primary colors, incorporating actions and movements related to each color.

Color Dance-Play music and call out primary colors, having children dance or move in a way that represents each color.

Color-Themed Books- Read books that focus on primary colors or incorporate color-related themes.

Color Word Recognition-  Create flashcards with primary color words and matching pictures, have your child match the words and pictures.

How to Make a Triorama Teaching the Primary Colors with Dollar Tree Supplies

Look at more triorama activities.

MORE TRIORAMA IDEAS

  • How to Make an Easy Rainforest Triorama With Kids
  • How to Make a Water, Land, and Sky Animal Habitat Triorama
  • How to Make an Amazing Shakespeare Triorama Book Report
  • How to Make a Cool Greek Mythology Triorama With Kids
  • How to Make a Giant Triorama Project About Cherokee Culture
  • How to Make A Desert Triorama About the Gobi, Sahara, & Antarctica
  • Amazing Geography Landforms: An Engaging Triorama Tutorial for Kids
  • How to Make a Triorama Teaching the Primary Colors with Dollar Tree Supplies
  • How To Build A Water Habitat Triorama With Kids
  • How to Craft a Stunning Wolf Animal Triorama
  • How to Make a Biome Triorama That Explores Alaska’s Amazing Features
  • How to Make a Native American Triorama Highlighting Tribes in 3 Regions
  • How to Make A Pyramid Diorama For States Of Matter
  • The Wonders of the Great Barrier Reef: An Ecosystem Triorama

Finally, look at how to make a triorama teaching the primary colors.

HOW TO MAKE A TRIORAMA TEACHING THE PRIMARY COLORS WITH DOLLAR TREE SUPPLIES

We are going to use a cardboard box for this to make it a bit sturdier when it’s soaked in paint and so that it holds up to a toddler or preschooler playing with it.

You will need:

  • Cardboard box
  • Red craft paint
  • Blue craft paint
  • Yellow craft paint
  • Paintbrushes
  • Black permanent marker
  • Scissors
How to Make a Triorama Teaching the Primary Colors with Dollar Tree Supplies

If you don’t already have a cardboard box laying around like an old Amazon box you can pick up a shipping box at Dollar Tree for $1.25.

But after wandering around I realized they had a big stack of broken down boxes and grabbed one for free.

Use a ruler to cut out a square of whatever size you would like from one side of your cardboard box.

How to Make a Triorama Teaching the Primary Colors with Dollar Tree Supplies

 Draw a line from corner to corner to create an X using the ruler to help you stay on a straight line.

TRIORAMA TEACHING THE PRIMARY COLORS

Now you are going to use either a box cutter or the point of your scissors to just score the lines you’ve drawn.

You just want to cut through the first layer of cardboard to make it bend a little easier, do not go all the way through.

How to Make a Triorama Teaching the Primary Colors with Dollar Tree Supplies

Use your scissors to cut from one corner to the center point on just one corner.

How to Make a Triorama Teaching the Primary Colors with Dollar Tree Supplies

Add one of each of the primary colors to every triangle but one, this one will be folded underneath.

How to Make a Triorama Teaching the Primary Colors with Dollar Tree Supplies

Have your child paint the color all over that section, trying to stay within the triangle at first.

How to Make a Triorama Teaching the Primary Colors with Dollar Tree Supplies

Now you can have them draw a little paint from both sides to combine it and create a new color wherever the colors touch.

 For the two that are separated by a blank triangle just use the paintbrush to transfer from side to side.

Allow it to dry completely and then use a marker to write in each of the colors.

Fold along the scored lines you made and fold the cut pieces on under another and glue into place to make the pyramid shape.

How to Make a Triorama Teaching the Primary Colors with Dollar Tree Supplies

You can use the triorama as an activity to have your child gather items from around the house in each of the colors, or just put it on display as is.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: colors, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, homeschool preschool, preschool, preschool skills, trioramas

Primary Sidebar

Footer

Privacy Policy | About Me | Reviews | Contact | Advertise

Categories

Archives

Tina Robertson is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 · 5 TNT LLC · Log in · Privacy Policy