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How to Make a Moon for a Class Project

The moon is the earth̵7;s natural satellite. Its presence regulates the earth̵7;s wobble on its axis, and this helps make the earth̵7;s climate more stable. This stability allows life to flourish. The moon coordinates ocean tides, which are caused by gravitational forces by the moon and the sun. Tides are the ebb and flow of the ocean waters. To make the moon for a class project, use a round object such as a styrofoam ball. Paint the ball with acrylic or tempera paints. Spray paints will melt the foam, and other paints will be absorbed by it.

Things You'll Need

Styrofoam ball
Styrofoam block
Sandpaper
Scissors
Pencil
Dowel
Popsicle stick
Glue
Light gray paint
Dark gray paint
Black paint
Paintbrush

Instructions

- 1
  Obtain a styrofoam ball with a diameter of two to three inches. Poke it with a pencil or a pair of scissors to create small, shallow craters and ridges.
- 2
  Smooth the rough edges of the holes with sandpaper. Paint the ball a light gray, and let it dry.
- 3
  Paint some of the craters dark gray or black. Select three more areas on the ball, and paint it dark gray. The shapes should look like some of the darker regions on the moon's surface, and so should only approximate circles.
- 4
  Construct a stand for the model. Trim a styrofoam block to form a four to six-inch square. Sand the edges, and then paint it.
- 5
  Insert a dowel or popsicle stick into the middle of the ball. If extra stability is needed, add glue so that the dowel or stick will not move. Insert the holder into the middle of the styrofoam block.

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