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How to Build a Lunar Model

The Moon is the Earth's only natural satellite and has played a major role in the planet's evolution. It is thought that the Moon was created billions of years ago when another planet crashed into earth. The huge amount of debris created from the collision collected and combined to create the Moon. The Moon has been bombarded by meteors, which has led to its many craters and characteristic look. A model of the Moon can be created very simply using a Styrofoam ball and some everyday materials.

Things You'll Need

Styrofoam ball (8-inch diameter)
Small paint brush
White paint
Gray paint
Stanley knife
Vase
Desk lamp

Instructions

- 1
  Paint a Stryofoam ball white. Allow two hours for the paint to completely dry.
- 2
  Cut a series of circular holes in the Styrofoam ball, using a Stanley knife. The holes should range in size from about 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch in diameter.
- 3
  Paint the insides of the circular holes gray. Wait two hours for the paint to dry. The lunar model is now complete. For effect, mount the lunar model on a vase and point a desk lamp at it. Different phases of the moon can be obtained by moving the desk lamp about the lunar model.

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