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Solar system

duration: 45 - 60 minutes

age: from 9 years

Make a mini solar system and learn about the planets.

Solar system

tools

  • Pencil
  • Scissors
  • Glue gun
  • Side cutters
  • Hobby knife
  • Drawing compass
  • Drill with drill bit (same size as skewers)
  • Pencils (for painting)

materials

  • Wooden base, about 3x3 inches
  • Thick skewers (about 1/8")
  • Styrofoam balls (1x 2", 2x 1.6", 2x 1.2", 4x 0.8")
  • Paint
  • Paper

downloads

step 1 - Paint the planets

  • Painting the planets first allows them to dry while you make the rest of the project.
  • The best way to paint the planets is by placing them on a temporary skewer. You can easily hold your planet this way.
  • Paint your planets.
  • Place them in a piece of styrofoam or cardboard to allow them to dry.

step 2 - Cut the template

  • Download the template.
  • Use the laser cutter to cut the shapes out of 1/8" plywood.

step 3 - Base

  • Cut the wooden base. About 3x3 inches is a good size.
  • Find the center of the square, and drill a hole the same size as your skewer.

step 4 - Center skewer

  • Use the side-cutters to cut a skewer to about 4 inches.
  • Glue a ring to the skewer about 3 inches from the pointy end.
  • Slide the laser-cut pieces onto the long end of the skewer. Longest one at the bottom. Make sure to put a ring between each of the planet holders.

step 5 - Planet skewers

  • The best way to glue the skewers is to place a small amount of glue on the tip of the skewer before placing it.
  • Put pieces of skewer into the open ends of the planet holders
  • Use some hot glue to secure the skewers in place.
  • Cut them all to size, the top should be in line with the skewer from the last step.

step 6 - Place it on the base

  • Place your holder on the base. If needed, you can add a little glue.

step 7 - Saturn's rings

  • Use the compass to draw 2 concentric circles. one 1,5" and one 2,5" in diameter.
  • Draw some more circles within the 2 you already drew for a nice ring effect.
  • Cut out the outside of the rings. Leave the center in tact.
  • Cut Saturn in half with the hobby knife.
  • Glue the ring in place between the 2 halves of Saturn.

step 8 - Place the planets

  • If you have a small pin with a white head, you can use that to make Earths moon.
  • Place the planets on their skewers and you're done!.