Almost Alive Alligator

Curious about toothy tyrants? Research the differences between alligators and crocodiles and then make your own marshy monster.

• 1.

  Look at pictures of alligators and note their unique physical characteristics. How are they different from crocodiles? What can you tell about their habitat and lifestyle by their appearance? When you have the information you need, sculpt an accurate replica of an alligator. Here’s how the one pictured was made.

• 2.

  Use a small recycled plastic container such as a salad dressing bottle as an armature. The neck of the bottle is the tail. Tape on chunks of crumpled aluminum foil to smooth out and shape the head and body.

• 3.

  Cover the entire head and body with a thin layer of Crayola Model Magic® compound. Shape an open mouth. Model Magic sticks to itself and most surfaces.

• 4.

  Use tools and your fingers to indent eye sockets and nostrils. Roll out two small balls and place them in the eye sockets. Add pupils.

• 5.

  Create legs by rolling four long tubes, making them thicker at one end. Fold to form alligator legs. Create toes by rolling small, pointy hotdog shapes. Add them to the end of the legs.

• 6.

  Roll out a slab and cut small triangles. Line up the spikes along the alligator’s back.

• 7.

  For the lining of the mouth, mix a very small amount of red Model Magic with a larger amount of white Model Magic to get pale pink. Spread a thin layer inside the mouth.

• 8.

  Cut many small pointy triangles from white Model Magic for teeth. Line the upper and lower jaws with them.

• 9.

  Model Magic air-dries to the touch overnight and is completely dry in about 3 days.

Benefits

• Students learn about the anatomy of alligators and the significance of their unique features.
• Students sculpt an anatomically correct alligator using a recycled container as an armature.

Adaptations

• Draw marker pictures of alligators in their swampy habitats. Or create a recycled box diorama of a habitat in which to place the alligator.
• Research other reptiles. Diagram their similarities and differences. What characteristics do some smaller reptiles share with their larger cousins?
• Research the challenges humans face when interacting with alligators. Write about what you think people could do to safely share the planet with alligators.
• Assessment: Write a report about the two species of alligators discussing differences of location, eating habits, size, and behaviors.