Learning Objectives

• Students will learn about penguins - where they live, what they eat. They will also learn about the shape of a penguin. Did you know that there are 17 species of penguins?

• Students will create a penguin using a juice bottle and paper mache.

• Students will learn to appreciate the art created not only by them, but by others as well.

Vocabulary:

What You Need:

• Pictures and/or books about penguins.
• Paper Mache Pulp. See recipe at the bottom of this page. You could instead use ready made paper mache pulp mix or "Sculptamold" To see what Sculptamold is, click here: Sculptamold® - Papier Mache
• 1 small juice bottle per student
• A yogurt container for each child for the paper mache pulp
• Water based paint (black, white and red).
• Paintbrushes
• Water and water containers
• A covered work area
• Paint smocks or old shirts

What You Do:

• Give each child a yogurt container with paper mache pulp in it.
• Have the children put small amounts of the mix on the juice bottle until the entire bottle is covered.
• Put a ball of paper mache pulp on the top of the juice bottle to make a head.
• Let the penguin dry for 12 to 24 hours.
• When dry, kinderartists can paint their penguin and put him on display.
• Take the opportunity to talk about penguins and where they live. Do they have feathers or fur? Do they eat fish? Can they fly?

Paper Mache Pulp:

OR

Take shredded paper or newspaper, 1 quart of hot water, a microwave safe bowl, spoon, colander or wire strainer, 1 cup of wallpaper paste or one cup of white glue or a 1 cup water/1 cup flour mixture.

Put the pieces of torn or shredded paper into the bowl until the bowl is almost full. Slowly pour the hot water over the paper, stirring constantly. When the paper is soaked, it should be just covered with water. Put the bowl into the microwave oven and cook for about 10 minutes. Remove and let stand. Repeat every hour for about 5 hours. Using a wire strainer, squeeze the excess water out of the pulp, making sure to leave just a bit of water. Add the glue or wallpaper paste to the mixture and mix well. Store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.

You can also do this using a pot on a stove. In that case, bring the mixture to a boil in a pot and let sit for a few hours until paper starts to disintegrate. Using a wire strainer, squeeze the excess water out of the pulp, making sure to leave just a bit of water. Add the glue or wallpaper paste to the mixture and mix well. Store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.

Recommended Products:

Sculptamold® - Papier Mache Combines the best features of clay, plaster and papier mache. In dry form, this white, non-toxic compound is quickly prepared by adding water. Sets in 30 minutes. Clings to almost any clean surface, including glass, and does not shrink, so it may be applied to an arma ture or core. Finished pieces are very lightweight, strong and durable. May be carved, sanded and sawed. 3 lbs.

Pompon Penguin Project Kit This adorably plush pom penguin will make you melt. Simple to assemble with pompons, wiggly eyes, foam and felt pieces. 1" x 2-1/2". Package of 12 projects -- that's 50 cents per student to create a mini penguin!

Resources:

Emperor Penguins
www.nationalgeographic.com/kids/creature_feature/0101/penguins.html

Penguins at Seaworld
Teacher's Guides have been developed at SeaWorld and Busch Gardens to help you teach your students - in an active, hands-on way - about how people interact with the environment and how we can best care for Earth's resources.

Visit this site and then select Penguins K-3 or Penguins 4-8 from the drop down list at the bottom of the page.

Penguin Fun Facts
From Seaworld!

Book Review:

Recommended Reading:

The Penguin (Animal Close-Ups)
by Beatrice Fontanel, Andre Fatras, Yves Cherel
This book describes the habits, characteristics, and habitat of penguins.