Make a Chinampa

Watch the video.

Now see if you can make a model of what went on. You will need some straws, some cotton thread, some sand and some kitchen towels. You will also need a deep tray to stand the chinampa in.

Cut the straws into 2inch (5cm) pieces. Tie the straws using the cotton thread, so that they make a long mat. You may need a grown-up to help with this stage. Keep them all flat. At the end the straws should be side to side and the whole think about 6inches (15cm) wide.

Place about 1 inch (2.5cm) of sand in the tray and make it wet. Lift up the straws and place them upright into the sand. The straws should make a square. These are the stakes that form the boundary of the chinampa. Now fold a piece of kitchen towel and place it inside you chinampa on the sand. This represents the rush matting. Add a later of sand, a piece of towel and carry on until the chinampa is full. Add water to the tray. Now you have your model chinampa sitting in a lake.