The paper mache dinosaur egg activity can be used as a creative art exploration on its own, or in conjunction with a dinosaur theme in the preschool classroom. Although detailed process steps are given, feel free to get creative and make this project your own.
Dinosaur Egg Lesson Objectives
- Explore the art form of sculpture.
- Increase knowledge of dinosaurs (this may include names and vocabulary).
- Develop awareness of texture and pattern.
- Increase color recognition skills.
- Explore art making process (i.e., paper mache).
- Follow a sequence of steps.
- Increase fine motor skills.
Grade/ Age Level
4 + years
Materials Needed for the Dinosaur Egg Paper Mache Activity
- Balloons
- Non-toxic Paper Mache paste (this can be a store bought powder mix, made from scratch, or made using glue)
- Long, thin strips of construction paper
- Tempera paint and brushes
Steps to Create Paper Mache Dinosaur Eggs
Before beginning this activity, discuss dinosaurs with the class. What did they look like (pay special attention to color and pattern)? What did their eggs look like? It will be helpful to have some visual aids on hand. Posters and books will work well.
The first step to this activity is paper preparation. Cut long, thin strips from construction paper. Additionally, it may be useful to create small bases for the eggs to dry on. This can be done using rings of a sturdy or thick paper. Cut thin strips of the paper, form a circle, and staple. Using a drying base will help the paper mache to dry evenly while avoiding sticking to the drying surface.
Another consideration to make before the activity starts is notifying parents. Paper mache can get very messy. You may want to send home a letter asking the children to wear messy clothes or bring in a smock.
Process Steps:
- Placing bowls of paper mache on a table, invite the children to dip the strips of paper into the mixture.
- The children can apply the paper (with paper mache paste covering it) by wrapping it around the balloon. If there is excess paste on a paper strip, ask the child to use his or her fingers to gently squeeze the extra back into the bowl.
- Repeat this process until the balloon is covered. It may be helpful for the children to mold and squeeze the paper around the balloon.
- Set aside for drying. Do not forget to label the eggs. This may be done by labeling the base or a paper near each egg.
- Once dry, the children can paint the eggs using tempera paint. Encourage the use of multiple colors and patterns.
- Allow the paint to dry.
Dinosaur Egg Lesson Wrap Up
Have a show and share after the eggs are dried. Discuss what the children have made with them. Some discussion starters include:
- What was the most fun part of this activity?
- What was difficult to do in this project?
- Why did you choose those colors or patterns?
- What dinosaur does your egg go with?
Enrichment Activities for the Dinosaur Egg
These activities may include:
- More in-depth dinosaur research. Read books or (if possible) take a field trip to a museum of natural history.
- Create a class dinosaur nest. Use more paper mache or collect natural materials from the outdoors.
- Draw a dinosaur. Ask the children to draw a picture of what the dinosaur will look like when it hatches.
The paper mache egg activity is a fun way to explore art and prehistoric creatures with young children. It may be messy, but your early childhood classroom will have a great time getting creative with this dinosaur themed project.
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