Easy Igloo for Arctic Diorama

This winter, We did a few Polar theme Activities with my 4-year-Old daughter. Creating an Igloo with Snow was something I planned for an Arctic Diorama Sensory tray.

But unfortunately, so far we didn't have any snow at our place. And this week, the Daffodils started Blooming. So it is unlikely to see Snow this year and I came up with the idea to make an Igloo by freezing water. 

How to freeze water into an Igloo-shaped Iceblock?

In this instructable, I will show you how we were able to create an Igloo with things we already had at home.

To make the Igloo:

• Icecubes
• Two large bowls
• Golf Ball size dough
• Large Tray and plate (preferable in white)

To make Eskimos (Optional)

• Peg Dolls
• Acrylic Paint - Brown and White
• Black permanent marker
• Non-toxic Sealant

Things to make Arctic Diorama (Optional)

• Blue food colour
• Arctic Animals - Safari Arctic toob

Grab the Dough and Mould it into a Semi-circular block. Affix it on the edge of the Bowl (As in the picture)

Use the Dough made with White flour. I have used Playdough for this project, but I suggest not using Playdough as the colour dissolves in water.

Arrange a layer of Ice cubes on the bowl, You need to cover a minimum of 2/3 rd of the height of the bowl with Ice cubes.

Place another Identical Bowl over the Ice-layered bowl. Ensure that The Dough touches both the bowls, and there isn't any Gap.

Fill Water in the Lower bowl up to an inch lower than the rim. You need to fill some water in the upper bowl as well, so it doesn't float.

Now Freeze them until the water is completely frozen.

Once the Ice is ready, take the Bowl out and Place it in hot water for a minute. Now, it will be easy to slide the Igloo out.

Take it out, Place the Igloo on a Tray and Remove the Dough using a Knief.

Scratch off the Extras Ice to make a Perfect Semi-circular Entry.

You Igloo is ready!

As part of this project, I also created some Inuit Peg dolls. Here is how to do it in 5 Steps.

1. Make a rough sketch of the face and dress on the Peg Doll with a pencil
2. Paint it brown with Acrylic paint.
3. Draw details with a permanent marker
4. Add White spots with Qtips
5. Finally, apply a thin layer of sealant

Place the Igloo on a plate and put it on a tray. Pour Blue Coloured water into the Tray and Fill some ice cubes.

Bring in the Artic figurines and Eskimos! That all!

Set the tray in a minute and invite your child for the Arctic Sensory Play!

Kids Love sensory play and will have a Blast playing with the Igloo, animals and the Icecubes!