Name: Space Animation Box
SKU: 92102L
Price: 253.11 AUD

Download Activity Template

Step 1Print out the templates provided onto A3 cover paper and decorate them using coloured pencils or markers. You don’t need to decorate the circles as these will become the tops of your reels. Cut out each template piece. Adult supervision is recommended when using scissors.
Step 2Fold in the tabs on both ends of your diorama box and tape one end closed. Paint a coat of dark blue paint onto the front frame of the box. Allow to dry. Paint a second coat and allow to dry.
Step 3Use a sharp pencil to carefully poke a hole through the grey circles on each of your circle’s templates. Place a circle onto one end of a 15cm long cardboard roll. Fold the tabs down over the roll and tape in place. Repeat for another roll so you have two rolls with one circle attached to one end.
Step 4Use tape to join two wooden dowels together so they overlap by 3cm. Ensure the tape is wrapped tightly around the dowels so they are secure. Repeat to attach another two dowels together.
Step 5Place one end of the joined dowels through a cardboard roll at the open end, then through the hole in the circle at the other end. Push another paper circle onto the other end of the wooden dowel and down onto the cardboard roll to close the end. Tape the tabs over the roll to secure. Position the dowel so that it is coming out of the roll about 8cm from one end and 3cm from the other end. Use a glue gun to secure the dowel to the paper circles. Adult supervision is required when using a glue gun. Allow to dry. Repeat for the other cardboard roll and dowel.
Step 6Using a pencil, make a mark on the top panel of the diorama box that is 3.25cm in from the centre of the short, right edge. Repeat for the left side. Pierce the marks with a sharp pencil to create holes. Repeat this process to create another two holes on the bottom panel of your diorama box.
Step 7Using the areas marked on the space template pieces, glue the two pieces together without folding or creasing the paper.
Step 8Place the two reels between the image as shown. Make sure that both longer pieces of the dowel are at the bottom.
Step 9Carefully place the image and reels inside the diorama box at an angle so you can insert the dowels at the bottom of the reel through the holes in the bottom of the box. Push the top of the dowels into the holes at the top of the box. Align the template so that it is evenly positioned on each reel. Tape the box closed.
Step 10Cut a 6cm length of wire and tape to the back of your rocket. You can also use a paper clip that has been straightened out. Place the rocket into the box in front of the space scene and pierce the wire through the bottom of the box. Bend the end of the wire and use tape to hold the wire stand in place.
Step 11Add any final touches to your diorama box. You may wish to decorate your box with glitter and star sequins! Allow to dry if needed.
Step 12Your Space Animation Box is now ready to use! Simply twist the dowels at the bottom of the box in the same direction to watch the scene move.