How to make Salt Dough Maps:

STEP 1: PRINT, CUT OUT THE OUTLINE, TRACE THE STATE

Find and print your state online HERE. Make sure it is large enough, you may need to print it in multiple pages. Cut it out and piece it together if needed. Once it is cut out, trace the outline of the state onto your cardboard with Sharpie, and remove the paper map. If you cannot use a printer, you may free hand draw the state. Be careful to draw it accurately and to scale.

STEP 2: MAKE THE DOUGH FOR THE SALT DOUGH MAPS

Using your hands, mix together 4 cups of flour, 2 cups of salt, 2 cups of water, 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar. Until it is smooth and the texture and consistency of playdough.

STEP 3: PRESS THE DOUGH ONTO THE MAP, SHAPE CAREFULLY, & ALLOW TO DRY

To attach the dough to the cardboard, gather small portions of the salt dough and press it onto the cardboard with the palm of your hand. Keep going until the whole country is done. follow the outline of the country, but it doesn't matter if there is overhang. If you're having trouble joining 2 parts of salt dough together, use a wet finger to merge the pieces. You can layer the dough as thick as you want, but make sure to leave a little to make some mountains later. Keep in mind the thicker you layer the dough, the longer it will take to dry. Use “physical maps” of your state so that you can see the landforms. Use the link above and add your state name. First make the map flat, and slowly build up the elevation according to the maps you find online. Allow the dough model to dry, this will take 1-2 days!

Simple video of shaping the dough to the outline of the land

STEP 4: PAINT THE SALT DOUGH MAPS ACCORDING TO THE ELEVATION

When the dough is dry, it is time to plan and paint. Since you are making a physical relief map, the different colors represent changes in elevation, and NOT vegetation. For example, green signifies lowlands, not tropical forests. Normally blue is water, green is the lowlands, and brown or grey is mountainous. The highest peaks of the mountains are sometimes purple or white. Make sure to include mountain ranges, major landmarks, important rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water. Make sure you create a “key” to tell what each color means for your map.

STEP 5: LABEL & FINALIZE MAP

There are different ways to finish the map: some people like to place little pins in the dough before it has hardened to label landforms, capitals, or major cities. You may also print out tiny labels and glue them on after the paint is dry. Bordering your state, on the cardboard, you might label the states that border your state. Just make sure to include ALL required information from the project info doc in this step.

Materials Needed:

• Pencil

• Sharpie

• Cardboard or Plywood at least 12" by 16"

• Salt

• Flour

• Cream of Tartar or alum

• Water

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Mixing bowl

• Mixing spoon

• Acrylic paint

• Paintbrush(es)

About Hanging Mobiles:

There is not a step-by-step for this project. I urge you to be adventurous, this project is full STEAM ahead! Get brave, use your creativity, and learn about kinetic sculpture as you demonstrate your state knowledge!

Some potential materials...

Wire hanger, wooden dowel, paper clips, wire, glue, yarn, string, or twine, pencil, pens, colored pencils, scissors, straws, paper, fabric, cardboard, etc. (so many possibilities!)

This website might help you it is a comprehensive guide to many different types of mobiles:

https://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/mobilesartscraftsideaskids.html

Get brave, use creativity, and learn about kinetic sculpture as you demonstrate your knowledge.