{"product_id":"pllieay-solar-system-model-kit-14-mixed-size-foam-spheres-with-10-bamboo-sticks-diy-classroom-stem","title":"Pllieay Solar System Model Kit — 14 Mixed-Size Foam Spheres with 10 Bamboo Sticks, DIY Classroom STEM","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePllieay's Make Your Own Solar System Model kit supplies 14 mixed-size polystyrene spheres and bamboo sticks so students and hobbyists can build, paint, and display a realistic planetary model.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis DIY kit brings an astronomy project to life with lightweight, easy-to-decorate foam spheres plus long bamboo rods for mounting. Each pack contains six distinct sphere diameters that mimic relative planet sizes, letting builders practice scale, colour mixing, and model assembly. The materials are durable for classroom use, craft fairs, and home science displays, and the included instructions and painting tips help produce clean, consistent results.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow do I prepare and paint the foam spheres for a smooth finish?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePreparing the polystyrene spheres improves paint adhesion and yields more vibrant, even coverage. The kit recommends polishing the sphere surface, sealing with a white latex primer, and then applying acrylic or oil-based paints in thin layers to prevent dripping and patchiness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eGently sand or wipe spheres to remove surface dust before painting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eApply a thin layer of white latex primer and allow to dry fully.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eUse oil-based or acrylic paints in small, frequent strokes to avoid pooling.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFor watercolour effects, mix paint with propylene instead of raw water to reduce bleeding.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat sizes and parts are included in the kit and why they matter?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe package contains 14 solid polystyrene spheres across six diameters and ten 24 cm bamboo sticks, offering a variety of sizes to represent different planets and moons. These varied sphere sizes help demonstrate comparative diameters and make it possible to create a layered, three-dimensional display that’s visually informative.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSphere diameters: 2.5 cm, 3 cm, 4 cm, 5 cm, 6 cm, and 7 cm for scale variety.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFourteen total polystyrene balls to model planets plus extra pieces for moons or asteroids.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eTen hardwood bamboo sticks, 24 cm long, for mounting spheres at different heights.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eLightweight materials suitable for pinning, gluing, or threading onto rods.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow can this kit be used for classroom lessons or STEM demonstrations?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe kit provides hands-on learning opportunities in astronomy, math, and art by illustrating relative sizes, orbital arrangements, and surface features. Teachers and students can combine painting, labeling, and positional placement activities to explore concepts like scale, rotation, and planet classification.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCreate a scaled orbital display to compare planetary diameters and spacing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eUse spheres for measurements, circumference exercises, and ratio problems.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eIncorporate cross-curricular art projects: texture painting and papier-mâché overlays.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDesign group projects where each student paints and presents one planet.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAre there safety or assembly tips I should know before starting?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough materials are craft-friendly, adult supervision is recommended for cutting bamboo sticks and for younger crafters. Use proper tools and safety gear when trimming rods, and follow painting guidelines to avoid uneven finishes and accidental damage to spheres.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eChildren under 10 should not handle cutting tools; supervise any trimming of bamboo.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSecure spheres on sticks with glue or pins to prevent wobbling in the finished model.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eWork in a well-ventilated area when using solvent-based paints or primers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eStore leftover pieces and sharp tools out of reach of small children.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWho is this for: Pllieay's solar system model kit is ideal for middle- and high-school students, hobby crafters, homeschool families, and educators looking for an affordable, hands-on astronomy tool. It suits anyone who wants an interactive visual aid for lessons or a creative weekend craft — from classroom projects to science fair displays and decorative home models.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"product-faq-snippet\"\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-q\"\u003eQ: What ages is this solar system kit suitable for?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-a\"\u003eA: Recommended for ages 10 and up; younger children need adult supervision, especially when cutting sticks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-q\"\u003eQ: What paints work best on these foam spheres?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-a\"\u003eA: Use white latex primer then acrylic or oil-based paints; avoid raw water with watercolour for best results.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e","brand":"Pllieay","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55251082805585,"sku":"B079P1CRV2","price":29.19,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1086\/5567\/3681\/files\/pll_ieay-front-packaging-spheres.jpg?v=1791641758","url":"https:\/\/craftiche.co.uk\/products\/pllieay-solar-system-model-kit-14-mixed-size-foam-spheres-with-10-bamboo-sticks-diy-classroom-stem","provider":"Craftiche","version":"1.0","type":"link"}