Making your own modeling clay animal figures is a great activity. If you do not want to make clay you can buy some at your local craft store. Remember; this activity requires using the stove, so be sure to have an adult help you.

You need:

• 2 cups baking soda
• 1 cup corn starch
• 1 cup of water
• 2 quart saucepan
• wax paper
• Poster or acrylic paints
• Colored felt-tip markers

What to do:

1. Stir the baking soda, cornstarch and water together in the saucepan. Heat for a few minutes over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is the thickness of mashed potatoes.

2. Remove the pan from the heat and scrape the mixture onto a piece of wax paper. You've made a kind of clay. Allow it to cool for at least ten minutes.

3. With your hands, roll the cool clay into a ball, then flatten the ball on the wax paper. Keep rolling and flattening the clay until it is smooth.

Look at pictures of animals to get an idea of their shapes and features. Create all sorts of fun animals and other items.

Allow the figurines to dry overnight or until they are hard. Then add markings and details with paint and colored markers.

You can keep unused clay from drying out by sealing it inside a plastic bag and putting it into the refrigerator.