Modelling & Mosaics

Get ready to create your next modelling or mosaic masterpiece with these marvelous ideas!

STEAM: Mountain Mapping

This fun activity combines 3D model making with 2D drawing to create a topographic map of a mountain! Use the map to explore the science of topography and look at mountain characteristics such as height and steepness.
  • Step 1Take a sheet of cardboard and divide it up into four equal sections by ruling both horizontally and vertically through the middle of the page with a pencil. Mark in compass points of north, south, east and west on these lines which will form the latitude and longitude.
  • Step 2Use fun dough to create your mountain. Will it be tall and thin or long and lumpy? You can model your mountain however you like, as long as it fits on the A4 sheet of cardboard.
  • Step 3Place the dough mountain in the middle of the latitude and longitude lines. Use a skewer to gently mark two lines up and over the mountain, joining where the latitude and longitude lines would run. You may also like to mark which line equals north. This will allow you to reposition the mountain in the correct spot as you begin adding the contour lines.
  • Step 4Sketch around the base of your mountain to create the first contour line.
  • Step 5Take the wire cutting tool and use it to slice through your dough mountain approximately 2cm from the base. Slice all the way through so you can lift the top of the mountain away.
  • Step 6Move the base of the mountain to the side and reposition the top of the mountain in the middle of the latitude and longitude lines on the cardboard. Use your marked lines in the dough from earlier to align the mountain with the pencil lines.
  • Step 7Trace around the base of this mountain piece to create your second contour line. Slice another 2cm from your dough mountain using the wire cutting tool. Remove the bottom slice.
  • Step 8Continue to reposition, trace and slice your dough mountain until you have reached the summit and you have a wonderful topographic map of your mountain!
  • Step 9Decorate your map however you like. We have chosen to use Watercolour Paint and a permanent pen. Allow to dry if needed. Your Mountain Map is now ready to display! Explore the different characteristics of your mountain as shown by the map.

Materials used in this activity

Wooden Skewers - Pack of 100
Optional
Product Code: 10014
EACH $3.07 (inc GST) $2.79 (ex GST)
6 or more $1.97 (inc GST) $1.79 (ex GST)          
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Plastic Ruler - 30cm
Optional
Product Code: 12295
EACH $1.65 (inc GST) $1.50 (ex GST)
30 or more $1.32 (inc GST) $1.20 (ex GST)          
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CleverPatch Cardboard - White - A4 - Pack of 100
Optional
Product Code: 16288
EACH $21.99 (inc GST) $19.99 (ex GST)
4 or more $16.49 (inc GST) $14.99 (ex GST)          
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HB Pencils - Pack of 20
Optional
Product Code: 16618
EACH $8.79 (inc GST) $7.99 (ex GST)
6 or more $6.59 (inc GST) $5.99 (ex GST)          
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Pottery Tool Kit - Pack of 8
Optional
Product Code: 17273
EACH $18.69 (inc GST) $16.99 (ex GST)
4 or more $13.08 (inc GST) $11.89 (ex GST)          
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Product Code: 18132
EACH $18.69 (inc GST) $16.99 (ex GST)
Increase value Decrease value
CleverPatch Watercolour Disc Set - 24 Well
Optional
Product Code: 19012
EACH $12.09 (inc GST) $10.99 (ex GST)
10 or more $8.46 (inc GST) $7.69 (ex GST)          
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EverZart Permanent Pens - Black - Pack of 20
Optional
Product Code: 19810
EACH $36.29 (inc GST) $32.99 (ex GST)
3 or more $27.16 (inc GST) $24.69 (ex GST)          
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