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Make a sperm whale

Make a sperm whale hero

Have fun making this toilet roll-based model of a sperm whale

Ages 5+

(adult supervision)

15+ mins

This activity helps children understand sperm whales through an engaging craft project. By creating a 3D model using everyday materials, students can visualise and learn about the whale’s distinctive square head, narrow lower jaw and streamlined body shape.

Activity steps
  1. Colour your sperm whale template using photographs from the internet or other resources as a guide.

  2. Carefully cut out the template and lower jaw.

  3. Place the cut-out template along the side of the toilet roll and stick one of the tabs along its length. Make sure that the paper is lined up horizontally with the length of the toilet roll.

  4. Gently roll the template around the toilet roll so that it covers it completely and tape the open tab down along the body.

  5. Make the distinctive square head by curving over the long head tab, and then tape it down on the other side of the body.

  6. Add the lower jaw to the bottom of the sperm whale’s body.

  7. That’s it. Now you can add your sperm whale to a display about life in the ocean!

Safety guidance
  • Some younger children (ages 5-7) may need help with using scissors safely, cutting out the template, and taping and glueing accurately

  • Use child-safe scissors appropriate for the child's age

  • Supervise internet research for whale photographs if children are looking these up

  • Work on a clean, clear surface with enough space for materials

  • Be mindful of any allergies to craft materials (some adhesives, etc.)

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