science education resource

Mural and Diorama Making

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School subscriptions can access more than 175 downloadable unit bundles in our store for free (a value of $1,500).

District subscriptions provide huge group discounts for their schools. Email for a quote: sheri@exploringnature.org.

One effective way to learn about biomes, habitats or animal groups (mammals, insects, etc.) is to build a mural. Students can research the animals, plants, and/or climate and topography of a particular habitat and then illustrate (or print out and post) the parts in one large mural on a classroom or hallway wall. Building and understanding the parts of a habitat or animal group (and how they fit together in a foodweb) creates a lasting impression for students.

Using the Exploring Nature pre-made murals, students can:

  • print out animals and plants (use them as is or blow them up to half-size or even full-size to scale)
  • color them appropriately and cut them out (these can be laminated and cut out for more durable murals)
  • research their natural history and write each up on provided text plates (or use pre-made text plates)
  • create a background using construction paper or rolled paper dabbed with tempra paint on sponges for color
  • place animals and plants on mural
  • take a picture with your class and email it in to be posted on Exploring Nature!

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To view these resources with no ads, please Login or Subscribe to help support our content development.

School subscriptions can access more than 175 downloadable unit bundles in our store for free (a value of $1,500).

District subscriptions provide huge group discounts for their schools. Email for a quote: sheri@exploringnature.org.

Exploringnature.org has more than 2,000 illustrated animals. Read about them, color them, label them, learn to draw them.