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Things You Would Need to Make a Planet for a Project

Craft a simple yet realistic planet in the solar system with a just few basic items. One planet you could make is Saturn, which is the sixth planet from the sun and adorned with rings. According to NASA, giant Saturn is made up of mostly hydrogen and helium. To make Saturn or any of the other planets gather a few simple things from a craft store. The most important aspect of each planet is its spherical shape. After you finish, use fishing line to hang the planet.

Sphere
- The spherical shape of the planet is made from a polystyrene ball. Choose a polystyrene ball in any size, unless you are forming more than one planet in the solar system. Then you need to show the relative size of each planet. For example, Earth would not be bigger than Saturn. Another way to create the shape of the planet is to use paper mache. Ball up old newspaper and then secure with masking tape. Saturate newspaper strips with paper mache paste. Apply two layers of newspaper and let it dry completely.
Color
- Paint the polystyrene ball with acrylic paint using paintbrushes to craft the colors of the planet. Acrylic paint is fast drying and permanent, unlike tempera paint, which can wash off. Latex spray paint is another option for adding color to the ball. For Saturn you would use tan colors and some brown. An Earth project would need blues for the oceans and green and brown for the landmasses. Depending on the planet you wish to create, use appropriate paint colors.
Decorations
- If you need rings for your planet, use an old compact disc. Cut a polystyrene ball with a 2-inch diameter in half and glue the top portion to the top of a CD. Stick a toothpick into the ball's center after you glue it down to the CD. Then press and glue the lower portion of the ball underneath the CD to form a planet with rings. Glitter is another decoration that can be added to the planet. Apply glue where you want the glitter, and then sprinkle it on. Shake it to remove any excess glitter.
Hanging
- Planets should be hung from the ceiling or a mobile to look realistic. One method for hanging your planet is to open up one side of a paperclip. Decide on the angle of the planet's axis. For example, Saturn is tilted 27 degrees. The paperclip needs to be stuck approximately 1/2 inch left of the top center of the ball so it looks tilted. Use the other hooked side of the paperclip to tie fishing line.

Astronomy