Makerspace & STEAM Activity – 3D Turtle Design

The newest trend in Makerspace is an item called Plus-Plus®! The simple plus sign shape can be used to create flat 2D mosaics, or 3D designs and structures that curve and bend. We’ve made so many fun shapes with these mini pieces. Below you can find a tutorial for making a sea turtle. This is also a fun idea for celebrating World Turtle Day on May 23rd!

Makerspace Sea Turtle Tutorial

The Plus Plus Mini piece tub comes with 3,600 pieces, and a mix of basic, neon, and pastel colors. There are a total of 21 colors, and they come in a closable storage tub to make it easy for on the go.

Materials:

• Plus-Plus® Mini 3,600-Piece Mix Tub

First, you’ll want to gather the total number of pieces you will need for this activity. Then follow the video below, and use the steps as another visual guide.

• Green: 26
• Brown: 19
• Black: 1

Video Tutorial:

Instructions:

Step 1: Use 21 green to make the shape below. This is the body and the foundation of your 3D turtle.

Step 2: Add 3 brown for the start of the shell.

Step 3: Add 4 more brown.

Step 4: Add 12 brown for the top of the shell.

Step 5: Now you will create the head of the sea turtle. First, add 1 black and 3 green (this is where we substituted the 1 black for the brown – it’s for the eyes). Then add 1 more green, and again add 1 more green to the top.

Step 6: Attach the head to the body. Note: The head is not going to be level to the body and won’t sit flat on the table. It is slightly raised up.

We hope you enjoyed the turtle tutorial. I think we just coined a new term – turtorial!

If you want to get even more creative, you can make a wave for your turtle! Just use blue and white Plus Plus pieces. We made 7 rows with blue and one row of white to represent sea foam.

More Fun with Makerspace

There are many other shapes you can make with Plus Plus, including animals, trees, people, and scenery. You can follow the suggested designs on the pamphlet included, or use your imagination!

For beginners, you can use the pack with bigger pieces – Plus-Plus® 400-Piece Big Basic Tub. This BIG size is especially well suited for small hands. 

Check out the Plus Plus USA Twitter account for some amazing maker ideas and designs!