Have you ever wondered how a fish swims? They use the muscles on either side of their body to wiggle, much like a snake slithers and propels itself through the water. Their fins help them steer and angle their body in the direction they want to move. Create a fish puppet and help it swim through the air. Make a couple and put on a puppet show! Studies have shown that relaxation and reduced stress are both potential benefits of keeping fish as companions!
Supplies
- A toilet paper or paper towel roll
- Some scrap cardboard or thick paper
- Paint and a small brush (optional)
- Glue
- Stapler
- Scissors
- A straw or stick
- Tape
Instructions
Step 1: If paint is available, start by painting the cardboard you will use for your fish puppet. If not, skip to step 2!
Step 2: Draw and cut out of the cardboard scraps: a tail fin, a dorsal (top) fin, and a pectoral (side) fin. These pieces
should match the size of your paper tube and have a tab of cardboard at their base for attaching.
Step 3: Place the end of your tail fin into the end of your tube. Pinch the tube flat with your fingers and staple the tail in place. If glue is available, glue the tube shut around the tail.
TIP: Be sure to hold the tube together while it dries with a clip or your fingers.
Step 4: Trim the corners of your tube so they meet the tail of your fish at an angle.
Step 5: Give your fish a mouth by carefully pressing the sides of the tube inward on both sides. Pinch along the folds to crease. The sides of the tube should meet in the middle.
Step 6: Put glue on the tabs of your fish’s pectoral and dorsal fins to attach them to your fish. These tabs could also be taped, if you don’t have glue.
Step 7: Decorate your fish by drawing, painting, or gluing on details. Attach a stick or straw by inserting it into the tube near your fish’s tail fin, or taping it to the back of the fish’s body.
To watch this process visit youtube.com/PeabodyEssexMuseum
Show Us!
We want to see your puppet(s). Share your photos online using #PEMpod or #peabodyessex