Learn how to make a paper mache planet.
By Andrea Mulder-Slater
The earth is a planet, the stars are like suns,
With streaks of bright light, the milky way runs.
From the moon to Saturn the big sky unfolds,
to let us all in on the secrets it holds.
What better way to honor the skies,
then to make our own planet that’s nice on the eyes.
What You Need:
- Round balloons.
- Cardboard pieces
- Newspaper
- Glue
- Wallpaper paste and water
- Containers for the wallpaper paste
- Water-based paint.
- Paintbrushes, water, water containers and a newspaper covered work area.
What You Do:
- First mix up a batch of paper mache mix. Do this by mixing wallpaper paste and water to the consistency of thick cream. (Instructions can be found on the wallpaper paste package).
- Add a touch of glue to make the paste nice and sticky.
- Tear newspaper or newsprint into small manageable pieces.
- Cover the balloon with about 4 or 5 layers of newspaper or newsprint pieces dipped in the wallpaper paste.
- Let the balloon dry somewhat between layers.
- When dry, paint the paper mache balloon to look like the earth, the sun, the moon, saturn or whichever planet you choose.
- Create a base for the planet using two pieces of corrugated cardboard as shown in the diagram.
Simplify:
For younger children, you could create the earth by cutting out the shapes of the continents and gluing them onto the balloon. Use markers and crayons to add further details.
Resources:
Moon – Arounder
Visit the moon – virtually.
The Moon, for Kids
Facts about the Moon from Planets for Kids
