Home >> Toys >> Educational Toys

Model Tepee Ideas

Tepees were a form of shelter built by the Plains tribes of American Indians and are still used today in some settings. Because the Plains tribes were nomadic, moving with the buffalo, these cone-shaped, tent-like dwellings were somewhat portable, as they were made from poles and hides. Model tepees function as education materials or, if properly constructed, camping shelters.

Historical Models
- Following the traditional model produces a tepee that is useful in explaining construction techniques used by the Plains Indians. A historical tepee consisted of hide cut into a semicircle, three support poles and a dozen poles used to stretch the hide. The poles were placed in an oval pattern. An inner liner added extra protection, and flaps vented smoke from the fire. Shelters were often decorated with gods and animals.
  
  For a small model, use dowels to substitute for the pole, canvas for the hide, lightweight cotton for the liner, toothpicks to secure and a nylon cord. Small models can be used in dioramas or stand-alone displays. For elaborate, full-size construction, the Manataka American Indian Council suggests cutting the canvas into a 30 by 15 foot half circle, the length being twice the width and using 18-foot long poles. Full-scale tepees can be used to re-create a village or to demonstrate etiquette customs. If decorating the tepee, using ordinary house or oil paint is acceptable.
Paper Models
- A simpler model uses four twigs, yarn or a rubber band, a brown paper grocery bag, tape and crayons or markers to decorate. Instead of cutting out a half circle from canvas, cut a triangular pattern from the bag and tape them together. Decorations should be added before taping the tepee together. These small models are easier to create and are more child friendly, but still utilize the basic three-pole setup of a historical tepee.
Camping Model
- The tepee is an example of quick, simple construction that provides warmth and protection from the elements. It has seen a rise in popularity among campers, especially among history buffs. Wilderness Survival's website list three variation on the tepee that can be adapted to camping shelters: three, one, and no-pole parachute tepees. A three-pole tepee is large enough to sleep several people. A parachute, poles and stakes are required for the first two, but the no-pole parachute only requires a line to tie to the parachute to a tree and stakes.

Educational Toys