Question:
How to build a Solar System model?
silverstar624
2008-12-16 20:26:14 UTC
I am writing a lesson plan on the solar system and need help on how to build a solar system out of styrofoam balls and clothes hangers, or however that works. Help!
Eight answers:
Andrew
2008-12-16 22:06:06 UTC
you can make one on your computer by getting an application free here: http://www.sciencefair-projects.org/solarsystem/solarsystem.html



or do this for a real one:



Materials:



(All of these materials can be found at a local craft store)



1 big styrofoam ball for the sun (about 8 inches in diameter).

9 smaller styrofoam balls of different sizes to match the planets.

10 wooden dowels (read the instructions below to determine what size).

1 box (about 3 x 3 x 3 feet).

black thread.

pins.

clay (a small amount).

glue.

paint (black for the dowels and box; yellow for the sun & stars; other colors for the planets).

construction paper (red, white, or yellow for rings around planets).

1 cork.





1. First, find a good box. It should be big enough inside to hold 9 planets revolving around the sun.



2. Tape the box shut on three sides, leaving one side open. Remove the flaps of the box from the side that is open.



3. Use black paint or construction paper to cover the inside of the box. This will be the universe. Paint small yellow or white stars as a background for your universe.



4. Get styrofoam balls for the sun and planets. Make sure the sizes are proportional to the real solar system, but on a much smaller scale. Paint the styrofoam sun yellow. Paint the planets whatever color you want, but try to remember the color of real planets (blue for Earth, red for Mars, etc.).



5. Paint all of the dowels black, this way they will blend in with the background of the universe box.



6. Cut 2 dowels, a short one and a long one, and poke them into the cork. Use a nail to make the holes if the cork is too tough. Glue the dowels so they stay in better. It should look like this:







7. Make sure the total length is long enough to fit snugly inside the box and leave about 2 inches on the top dowel so it sticks through the box. By having this stick through the top, you can turn the dowel and make your planets rotate around the sun.







8. Now, slide the sun up through the bottom, longer end of the dowel.



9. Poke a hole through the top of the box. From the inside of the box, slide the top end of the dowel through the hole. Secure the bottom of the dowel with clay. Glue the clay to the box if it moves around too much. So far, it should look like this:







10. Now you're ready to insert the planets. Cut the remaining 9 dowels at different lengths. These will be the distance from the sun. If you make the lengths equal, all the planets will crash into each other.



11. Insert all 9 dowels into the cork, so they form a "pinwheel." Glue the dowels for a stronger hold. Here's what it would look like from the top:







12. Take the thread and tie it on the end of these "pinwheel" dowels. Tie the other end of the thread to a pin. Poke the pin into the styrofoam planets. Make sure to place the planets in the correct order based on distance from the sun. It should now look something like the picture below. (Note: In these pictures the dowels are white so you can see them, but your dowels are supposed to be painted black).







13. Cut construction paper to make rings around the planets that need them. Secure the rings to the planets with pins or glue.



14. By twisting the dowel that is sticking out through the top of the box, you can bring your solar system to life.



to help you scale your project I'v attached a link: http://www.exploratorium.edu/ronh/solar_system/
anonymous
2016-11-11 03:31:12 UTC
Hanging Solar System Model
Austinspace
2008-12-16 20:32:08 UTC
Find the center of the large cardboard circle by drawing a line from top to bottom and a line from right to left. Where these two lines meet is the center of the circle. This will be the position of the SunUsing a compass, draw the orbits of the 9 planets (draw circles around the center of the piece of cardboard).

The first 4 planets orbit relatively close to the Sun, then there is a gap (this is where the asteroids orbit). Then the last 5 planets orbit very far from the Sun.Using an awl, the sharp point of scissors, or a large nail, punch a series of holes in the cardboard. First punch a hole in the center (this is where the Sun will hang). Then punch one hole somewhere on each circle (orbit); a planet will hang from each hole

If you want an accurate picture click here
skyhawk35v
2008-12-17 18:02:51 UTC
There is a number of sites where you can purchase Solar System Kits

for you to put together. The newer Smoothfoam Balls are nicer to paint and will not fall apart. This site also sells balls individually or the full

kit



Good luck

Bill
Karina
2017-02-10 07:57:33 UTC
1
anonymous
2016-03-15 07:21:13 UTC
what are you on about??!! It works out as £311.48 in total for a really good Solar System endorsed by Patrick Moore on the website. How did you calculate this??!! I'm sure they will complete it and i've already subscribed myself. I'm looking forward to it as part of my physics course. Thanks
anonymous
2008-12-17 19:29:50 UTC
I'd suggest checking out...



http://earth4energy-manual.com/blog/



watch the free video review of one of the most popular guides to building your own source of alternative energy.



Hope it helps & Good luck!!!



- Katie : )
baby-g
2008-12-16 20:37:19 UTC
http://www.ehow.com/how_2055161_build-solar-system.html

-step by step



http://www.craftsforkids.com/projects/real_solar_system.htm



http://www.greenscreen.org/articles_teachers/TG%20Solar%20System%20SR.pdf



http://www.makeplaydough.com/solar_system/index.php?page=4


This content was originally posted on Y! Answers, a Q&A website that shut down in 2021.
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