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How to Make a 3D Model of the Planet Venus

Planetary models are ideal for science projects on a low budget. Making a model of Venus requires a some time but is not too difficult. With a few basic supplies, you can easily create a model of the planet along with a simple display containing basic facts about Venus without having to spend a great deal of money on a solar system model kit.

Things You'll Need

Light brown paint
White paint
Gray paint
3-inch (or larger) Styrofoam ball
X-acto knife
Yellow paint
Orange paint
Toothpicks
Screwdriver
Dowel
Glue gun
Cardboard
Glue stick

Instructions

Painting the Model
- 1
  Mix the brown, white and gray paints loosely so they do not blend completely.
- 2
  Paint half of the Styrofoam ball to match the light brown and gray clouds of Venus.
- 3
  Allow the paint to dry.
- 4
  Paint the other half of the Styrofoam ball in the same manner as Step 2.
- 5
  Allow the paint to dry.
Optional Core Cutaway
- 6
  Cut the Styrofoam ball from the top to the middle for a full 180 degrees (or half) of the circle.
- 7
  Cut the ball from the side to the middle for a full 180 degrees (or half) of the circle. Make sure your cut meets the first cut.
- 8
  Remove the cut portion. It should be one-fourth of the total sphere.
- 9
  Paint the core, mantle and crust in the unpainted portion.
- 10
  Allow the paint to dry.
- 11
  Label the core, mantle and crust by sticking toothpicks with paper labels directly into the ball.
Creating a Display
- 12
  Create a hole an inch deep in the bottom of the model.
- 13
  Insert the dowel in the hole. Make sure it is a secure fit.
- 14
  Glue gun the other end of the dowel to the cardboard base. Leave room to the side for a fact sheet about the planet Venus.
- 15
  Allow the glue to cool.
- 16
  Type up or write a fact sheet of Venus.
- 17
  Glue it using a glue stick to the cardboard to the side of the the model.

Astronomy