The solar system, or the series of planets and other objects that orbit the sun, is one of the typical subjects of study for young students. Creating a model of the solar system can be a great way to help students understand it better and also to decorate the science classroom with new objects!
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using a Hula Hoop
Step 1. Get the supplies
You will need a hula hoop, fishing line, polystyrene balls of different sizes to recreate the Sun and other planets (the smaller they are, the more realistic the distances will be), paint to decorate the balls and some a roll of masking tape.
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You can also use different objects for the planets. You can make them out of foam rubber, polystyrene, papier mache, clay, balls of wool, using toy balls or any other material you think is appropriate.
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Make sure the balls are as light as possible, as the hula hoop may fail to support excessive weight.
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Step 2. Tie the line around the hula hoop
You will need to tie four portions of fishing line around the hula hoop. Start on one side and cross the line to the other side, making a full turn on the edges and tying the ends of the line in the middle. The line should be taut: repeat the process until the 4 sections of string divide the hula hoop like a cake.
Step 3. Prepare the Sun and the planets
Paint them or otherwise customize them as you see fit. Remember to pay attention to the different sizes and shapes of the planets!
Step 4. Hang the planets and the Sun on the hula hoop
Cut 9 different strips of fishing line of equal length; you will decide the length based on the height at which you want the Sun and the planets to arrive. Put glue or tape on the end of the line and glue the Sun and the planets. At this point, tie each strip of line to each of the 8 sections you created earlier. The Sun must go to the center, where all the lines meet. Arrange the planets so that they are more or less close to the sun.
Step 5. Hang up your portable planetarium
Tie a loop around the middle of the line so you can hang it up, or find another way to do it. Have fun! Are you done!
Method 2 of 3: Use Wire and Foam Rubber
Step 1. Prepare the planets and the Sun
You will need a large polystyrene or foam ball for the sun. Get smaller items, such as marbles or colored paper or clay balls for the planets. Decorate them to look like real planets.
Step 2. Create a base
Get thick wire or a wooden pin and a cone or half a Styrofoam ball, or any other base. Drive the wire or wooden dowel into the base, leaving enough exposed wire at the top so that the Sun can enter at least half of it. Remember to leave an extra 1cm of space between the bottom of the Sun and the top of the wire. Glue the foam that forms the base to a wooden beam or any other heavy surface that you can use as a base.
Step 3. Enter the Sun
Plant the Sun in the pin or wire, and always leave 1 cm of available space under it.
Step 4. Make the wire arms
Take some wire that is very long and thick enough to hold its shape but malleable enough to be bent with pliers. Create 8 arms, and wrap the ends of each around the extra space below the Sun. Place the arms in an L shape so that you have a place to glue the other planets. Modulate the length and weight of the arms in order to arrange the planets in the right order and alignment.
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The planets should be arranged in such a way that the farthest is on the lower arm and the closest is on the higher arm.
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Step 5. Place the planets
Once you've arranged all the arms of the structure, glue the planets together with glue or tape. Have fun with your solar system model complete with planets in orbit!
Method 3 of 3: Use Balloons
Step 1. Inflate the balloons
Make 9 of different sizes.
Step 2. Cover the balloons with paper mache
Make sure the underside remains uncovered. Let the papier-mâché dry and then pop the balloons.
Step 3. Upgrade the spheres
Use strips of papier mache to close the openings left by the balloon and make the shape more spherical.
Step 4. Decorate the Sun and the planets
Paint the papier-mâché spheres so that they resemble planets: use acrylic paints or tempera.
Step 5. Bind the Sun and the planets
Get a long enough rope and attach the Sun and planets to it in order. Hang the frame in the room and enjoy!
Advice
- You can create the rings of Saturn and Uranus using cardboard or polystyrene plates!
- The colors of the planets are (Mercury = brown-gray), (Venus = gold), (Earth: blue and green), (Mars = red-brown), (Jupiter = brown and white with a large spot), (Saturn = light brown with rings), (Neptune = blue tending to green) and (Uranus = blue).
Warnings
- Be careful when handling the scissors or other tools used in the project.
- Have an adult hang your Solar System.
- Do not hang too much weight on the structure.
