I was assuming it was already modeled until I read "I'm stumped on actually making it/animating it." So, they're asking you guys to do all this without teaching you guys about pivot points or parenting objects? That's a bit upsetting. Anyways, expressions would make adding believable movement to this easier only if you're comfortable with MEL otherwise you're creating headaches for yourself. Some practical grouping/parenting would save you major hassle down the road.