By J.S. Copper
Updated Aug 30, 2022

Creating a three‑dimensional representation of our solar system is a classic hands‑on activity for K‑12 science classes. With just a few household supplies and a trip to a craft store, you can build an engaging and educational model that illustrates planetary sizes, distances, and colors.

Step 1 – Match Foam Balls to Planets

Assign each foam ball to its planetary counterpart using the following size guide:

• Sun – 6‑inch ball
• Jupiter – 4‑inch ball
• Saturn – 3‑inch ball
• Uranus – 2½‑inch ball
• Neptune – 2‑inch ball
• Mercury – 1‑inch ball
• Venus and Earth – 1½‑inch balls
• Mars and Pluto – 1¼‑inch balls

Attach a pair of plastic rings to the Saturn ball to represent its iconic rings.

Step 2 – Paint the Planets

Using a toothpick as a stand and a small brush for application, coat each ball with its authentic color palette:

• Mercury – gray
• Venus – light yellow
• Earth – blue with green continents
• Mars – red
• Jupiter – alternating bands of orange and white
• Saturn – light yellow with light brown/red rings
• Uranus – light blue
• Neptune – light blue
• Pluto – light brown

When using multiple colors, apply the base color first, let it dry, then add secondary details to avoid bleeding.

Step 3 – Represent Orbital Distances

Cut wooden skewers to the following lengths, reflecting the relative distance from the Sun (in centimeters for an approximate scale):

• Mercury – 2½ inches
• Venus – 4 inches
• Earth – 5 inches
• Mars – 6 inches
• Jupiter – 7 inches
• Saturn – 8 inches
• Uranus – 10 inches
• Neptune – 11½ inches
• Pluto – 14 inches

Step 4 – Attach Planets to Skewers

Glue one end of each skewer to the corresponding planet. Use toothpicks to secure Saturn’s rings around its sphere.

Step 5 – Mount Skewers to the Sun

Secure the opposite end of each skewer into the central hole of the Sun ball, arranging them from closest to farthest. Allow the glue to set fully before handling.

Materials Checklist

• Foam balls: 1‑inch, 2‑inch, 2½‑inch, 3‑inch, 4‑inch, 6‑inch, two 1¼‑inch, two 1½‑inch
• Two 4½‑inch plastic rings for Saturn
• Acrylic paint (planetary colors)
• Wooden barbecue skewers
• Paintbrush and toothpicks
• Ruler and glue (craft or wood glue)

Quick Reference

For a streamlined process, paint each planet’s base color first, let it dry, then add details. After assembly, you can hang the model by inserting a hook into the Sun’s top or attach a wooden skewer through its bottom to a sturdy base. Remember, Pluto is no longer classified as a planet, so you may choose to omit it.

Safety Note

Supervision by a parent or teacher is recommended when children use sharp tools or glue.