Making A Dragonfly Using Natural Materials

A close relative of the dragonfly, this colourful damselfly rests on a green leaf in the woods.

The Dragonfly

The incredible insect, the dragonfly, can be found all around the United Kingdom. They are renowned for both their amazing flying abilities and vivid colours. With their two sets of huge, glossy wings and long, slender bodies, dragonflies can fly around like little helicopters!

There are roughly forty different species of dragonflies in the United Kingdom. There are several that are yellow, red, blue, or green! They prefer to lay their eggs near ponds, rivers, and lakes, so you might see them there. Dragonflies love being near water because their young, called “nymphs,” grow up underwater.

Before developing into the stunning dragonflies you see flying around, nymphs can dwell underwater for up to five years and have a quite different appearance from adult dragonflies.

Dragonflies are vital because they consume a large number of bothersome insects, such as mosquitoes. They can actually catch their prey while flying and are skilled hunters! Their large eyes allow them to see everything around them, and they also have extremely keen vision.

Keep an eye out for dragonflies the next time you’re near a river or pond. They will be zooming around, showcasing their amazing flying abilities and vibrant colours!

Damselflies are close relatives of dragonflies and are found in the United Kingdom. Damselflies are smaller and more delicate than dragonflies. Distinguishing between the two is easy because, while at rest, damselflies typically fold their wings along their bodies, whereas dragonflies leave them exposed. Damselflies are aquatic lovers who, like dragonflies, contribute to insect population control by consuming small insects.

A dragonfly disc made from natural materials.

Dragonfly Discs – What you need to make yours.

Here’s what you need to make your very own dragonfly disc piece of art in Forest School:

  • wood cookies (slightly larger than usual)
  • sharpies or permanent markers
  • PVA or wood glue
  • paint brushes (one for applying glue and a finer brush for applying paint)
  • paint or nail polish (we used gold paint)
  • secateurs
  • straight sticks
  • sycamore helicopter seed pods
  • black or red berries (or round items that can be used as eyes).  We used ‘Dogberries’* from the Dogwood trees in our woodland.   *Source: The Woodland Trust 

Small Achievable Steps To Success

Here are the steps we walked through to make our dragonfly discs.  For ease, I work with small groups of 3 or 4 learners at a time to provide close support if required.

Step 1

Learners chose a wooden disc and wrote their initials on the reverse side so they could be identified later.  We use permanent markers such as a sharpie.

Step 2

Learners chose their sycamore seeds for wings.  When sourcing, try and choose seed pairs joined.  Should these not be available, using single seeds is acceptable.

Wood or PVA glue is sufficient to help stick the wings to the wood.

Step 3

Apply glue to the wood and secure the wings.  Covering the top half can be helpful or painting chevron stripes to match the wings are options.

Fixing the dogberry eyes to our dragonfly.

Step 4

Next, place a large dob of glue above the wings and fix the eyes in place.  Keeping the eyes in proportion to the rest of the body is helpful.  In the event you can’t access natural materials for this step, wooden beads are a possible alternative.

A dragonfly disc made from natural materials and ready to be painted.

Step 5

Add the straight stick.  Cut them to length using a pair of secateurs.  Depending on your learners, either have them cut it or have an adult help.   Apply additional glue from the eye to edge of the disc.  Push the stick down and then leave it to dry.

Simple, but effective uses of natural materials to make a dragonfly disc in Forest School.

Step 6

Paint the wings.  We used gold paint and a small paint brush to apply.  Bringing a light touch to your brush strokes will ensure everything stays in place  An alternative for the wings we’ve seen used is nail polish.

Store your dragonfly discs flat while they dry.  We recommended this to stop materials from slipping off.

Simple, but effective uses of natural materials to make a dragonfly disc in Forest School.

Create A Buzz Around School

These simple art pieces created a buzz as our learners came back into school with staff and students alike marvelling at Year 2’s creations. No two dragonflies were the same with each learner putting their own creative stamp on their art.

Check out the reel we made for Instagram here.

If you’d like to find our more about making theses or how we can come and support Forest School at your setting, please drop us a line.

 

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