Planetary models are ideal for science projects on a small budget. Making a model of Venus requires a some time but is not too difficult; the result gives a good general idea of the planet's outward appearance and the makeup of its interior. With a few basic supplies, you can easily create a model of Venus that includes a simple display containing basic facts about Earth's neighbor at low cost.
Painting the Model
Mix the brown, white and gray paints loosely so they do not blend completely.
Paint half of the Styrofoam ball to match the light brown and gray clouds of Venus.
Allow the paint to dry.
Paint the other half of the Styrofoam ball in the same manner as Step 2.
Allow the paint to dry.
Optional Core Cutaway
Cut the Styrofoam ball from the top to the middle for a full 180 degrees (or half) of the circle.
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.
Remove the cut portion. It should be one-fourth of the total sphere.
Paint the core, mantle and crust in the unpainted portion. Color the crust brown, the mantle red and the core yellow, indicating that the planet's insides are hotter than the crust.
Allow the paint to dry.
Label the core, mantle and crust by sticking toothpicks with paper labels directly into the ball.
Creating a Display
- Light brown paint
- White paint
- Gray paint
- 3-inch (or larger) Styrofoam ball
- X-acto knife
- Yellow paint
- Orange paint
- Red Paint
- Brown Paint
- Toothpicks
- Screwdriver
- Dowel
- Glue gun
- Cardboard
- Glue stick
For parents and teachers of children under 12, do the knife work yourself.
Create a hole an inch deep in the bottom of the model.
Insert the dowel in the hole. Make sure it is a secure fit.
Glue the other end of the dowel to the cardboard base using the glue gun. Leave room to the side for a fact sheet about the planet Venus.
Allow the glue to cool.
Type up or write a fact sheet of Venus.
Glue it using a glue stick to the cardboard to the side of the the model.
Things You'll Need
Warnings
References
Warnings
- For parents and teachers of children under 12, do the knife work yourself.
About the Author
Michael Frazer is working towards his master's degree in English literature. He received his B.A. in English from the University of California, Irvine and has attended several paper conferences focusing on various forms of literature and language. Frazer has a variety of hobbies and areas of expertise including learning new languages, writing fiction and producing electronic music.
Photo Credits
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