Plaster Relief

HERE reminded me of such a simple way to teach children relief.

Supplies:

drink boxes or large yogurt containers (one for each child)

plaster a paris

water

large yogurt container

clay (oily, non-drying, modeling clay)

wire for a hanging hook (optional), if you are doing this you want a straw too.

found objects- toys, blocks, sea shells, buttons, anything you don't mind clay on

rough sand paper to clean edges

Instructions:

1. Cut drinking box in half or put two together with tape for a bigger area

2. Press clay into container

3. Press objects into the clay.

4. Mix plaster in separate yogurt container according to package directions

5. Begin with putting warm water in the container-enough to fill the space on top of the clay. Mix the plaster till its the same consistency as yogurt. If you pour it in when it is a bit watery it will take a long time to harden. Once your plaster is ready pour the mixture to the top of the drinking box or about an inch up in the yogurt container.

6. Let dry. You will know when it is ready because the top will not be damp. Depending on how thick your mixture is 15-20 minutes. (I like to let it dry overnight just to make the kids wait!)

7. Remove the drink box/yogurt container. Carefully, peel off the clay. Reveal your relief.

8. After the plaster is completely dry you can sand the edges if needed. It can also be painted with acrylics or thick tempera but I like the way it looks as is.

Tips:

*If writing names or messages, remember the image is the reflection.

*Challenge older students to push their objects in in a pattern or make a face or robot
*You could use the toys for the broken toy sculpture for this activity first.