Building a Diorama

[Chef Dave]

The construction of a shoe box diorama can be an interesting way to illustrate stories or to help bring history to life. A diorama is a scene that portrays a time, place, and people. It can be used to illustrate a scene from a book, a natural environment, or a historical period.

The easiest way to make a diorama is to use a shoe box. It's easy to set up and use of the top lid as a base creates a "stage effect" that attracts the viewers eyes into the diorama.
http://www.michtoy.com/MTSCnewSite/reference_folder/school_project_folder/open_shoebox.gif

Use of a backdrop can create the illusion of depth. It also helps create the environment for the scene that's being developed.
http://www.michtoy.com/MTSCnewSite/reference_folder/school_project_folder/background.jpg

Here for example is a diorama of a sea theme. This could be used as an extension activity for 3rd or 4th grade science when discussing animal habitats.
http://www.mrsmcgowan.com/ocean/diorama2_2005.JPG

I also found this American kitchen & dining room that portrays home life circa 1910.
http://ullam.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/49631l.jpg
http://ullam.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/49631l.jpg

[Chef Dave]

Here is a backdrop that can be used to create a rain forest diorama.

http://www.laurenharman.com/portfolio/images/rd_diorama.jpg

This backdrop could be used in conjunction with paper cut outs of animals (animal habitat)

It could also be used to illustrate Anasi folktales. Here is a link to some Anasi stories.
http://www.afro.com/children/myths/myths.html

With the addition of some native huts and people, this could be used to illustrate a village in the Amazon.

[Chef Dave]

I found this to go along with the 1910 era kitchen. Since the scale sizes might differ, I would recommend use of a photo copier to adjust the size.

http://www.skyglass.com/gayle/ANNIEK.jpg
http://www.skyglass.com/gayle/ANNIEK.jpg

[Chef Dave]

Given the use of button down boots and the apparent length of the dress, I think this paper doll was created circa 1900-1905.

http://home.att.net/~mforder/1doll.JPG
http://home.att.net/~mforder/1doll.JPG

[Chef Dave]

Here are paper cut outs for a family room.

http://www.eslkidstuff.com/Worksheets/livingroomcraftcutouts.gif

[MrsAtkinson]

WOW!! These are so great! I remember making dioramas and dreading them!

[dfsteacher]

I absolutely love these paper dolls you posted on here. Where did you find these???