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How to Make a Model of Pluto

In 1930, it was found: Pluto, a celestial body that is two-thirds the size of the Earth's moon. At the time, it was classified as the ninth planet of the Solar System, but scientists have since reclassified as a dwarf planet. Making a model of Pluto, with a diorama backdrop of space, is a project that combines art and science and can be combined with a series of lessons about the solar system.

Things You'll Need

  • Pictures of Pluto
  • Small balloon
  • Newspaper
  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • Water
  • Bowl
  • Cardboard box
  • Paint set
  • Paintbrush
  • String
  • Pencil
  • Curved upholstery needle
  • Pointed tweezers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Obtain pictures of Pluto.

    • 2

      Spread out newspaper on a flat surface to work on. Inflate the balloon until it is sphere shaped.

    • 3

      Cut up newspaper into long strips with the scissors. Mix about one part water and three parts glue in the bowl. Dip the newspaper into this mixture and apply the newspaper to the balloon.

    • 4

      Set the papier-mâchéd balloon aside to dry. This should take several days.

    • 5

      Cut off the cardboard box's flaps. Paint the interior of the cardboard box black. Let it dry.

    • 6

      Set the box on its side so the inside of it faces you. Paint stars on top of the black paint. Let the box dry.

    • 7

      Poke a hole in the middle of the side that forms the "ceiling" of the box with the pencil.

    • 8

      Paint the papier-mâché model to look like Pluto.

    • 9

      Thread the needle. The length of the string depends on the size of the box and how far down you want Pluto to hang from inside top of the box. Poke a hole down through the top of the Pluto model with the needle and run it up and out of the model one inch away from the hole. Pull the needle out the second hole leaving string extending out of both holes. Remove the needle.

    • 10

      Pull the ends of the Pluto model string through the whole in the top of the box using the tweezers. Knot the ends of the string in a knot bigger than the hole.

    • 11

      Paint the visible parts of the string black.

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