My daughter needs to make a diorama about an animal she saw on a field trip to the zoo for school (1st grade). I’d like to know if anyone has any good ideas or refrence materials to get this little project started.
PS- I promise not to do it all for her 
Just need a jumping off point - simple is good!
From what I can tell, dioramas haven’t changed a whole lot since I was in school many decades ago. Start with a shoebox and use pictures for background, and creative stuff for foreground (cotton balls for snow, for example, or sand to simulate a desert environment.) Use encyclopedia factoids to cover the outside of the box - print them nicely on paper bits and glue 'em on.
National Geographic magazine is always a good source of background “habitat” photos.
What animal was it? I mean, if it’s something fairly common then a toy store may have plastic models you can use.
I have a good recipe for home-made clay that can be colored and molded into landscaping.
LifeOnWry is spot on about the NG too. They had some excellent pop up books I got for my young nephew, that may furnish ideas.
WOW, that was quick!
Thanks! good ideas.
It’s just been ages since I’ve done this.
And if you need grass, you can color paper and cut slits into it…Sticks from the yard can serve as trees.
Great Ideas!
Keep 'em comming!
Sounds like fun. Now I want to make a diorama. 
If she’s wondering what animal to present, may I suggest the majestic elephant? Just be sure not to put Asian elephants into an African setting or vice-versa.
A good point, but to be honest I doubt a 24 YO 1st grade teacher knows the difference (much less cares) - DAMN that sounds sarcastic, but it’s hard to see some young person teaching your kid and not think: