Did you make a model of the solar system in school?

[Zomby Woof]

This flap over Pluto reminded me of years ago, when Pluto was a planet and life was simpler. ;-)

Back in 3rd grade, which was during the Ford administration for those keeping score - we were assigned the project of making a model of the solar system. How we did it was up to us. Some did drawings, some did mobiles - there was no proper format. Instead of grades, we would be given this score based on "Outstanding" (the highest), then "Excellent", a "check plus", a "check", and a "check minus" (the lowest) for the true underachievers (none of that wussy self-esteem 'all students get gold stars' shit for us - we were hardened by Watergate and Vietnam dammit!).

My sister had this craft book, and in it was a recipe which used flour, corn starch, and who knows what else, for making 'sculptures' like bookends and ashtrays. Just bake it in the oven like a poor man's ceramic, and voila! I decided that it would be cool to "bake" the planets, and paint them using tempra paint, which was the paint recommended by the book. But how would I display my baked beauties?

I took the bottom of a cardboard box, and cut holes in them just large enough to display the top half of the planets. The sun was a large styrofoam ball, painted yellow. The box was painted black, and the orbits blue lines, with the names painted next to each planet, including lowly Pluto. It was quite colorful and informative, mind you. :D

I got an "Outstanding". The teacher wanted to show the few "Outstandings" to the principal, who was duly impressed. They asked me if I had any help. Well...

I had to confess: My mom handled putting the baking sheet with the planets into the oven, and taking them out. They allowed that as acceptable help. :whew:

So! Did any of you have to make a model, or was it something given much coverage? I have always loved astronomy, and the story today got me to thinking of things which encouraged this interest.

[Joe Fields]

1. No, but I did astral project myself to Pluto once. I made sure to

bring a parka. Didn't stay long. No liquor stores.

[Crewleader]

2. I can remember those times Zomby

and hearing Pluto is no longer a planet....felt like a bit of our science history was stolen from us today...the tiny planet was one my favorites! :)

Always Good to see you....give NSMA a Birthday Hug when you see her....I need both your e-mails,the old dinosaur puter went. :hug:

[havocmom]

3. No planets, but a relief map of South America

Found I loved the project. Unlike normal kids, who just sculpted a long, single ridge for the Andes, I went into great detail. Using my trusty National Geographic maps, I put in about a zillion (or maybe a brazillion ;) ) little individual mountain ranges and steep valleys.

Took me longer than the other kids, but it was shown in the big School Department Building downtown :woohoo:

Didn't use bakers clay. It hadn't been invented yet. The teacher brought in bags of this nifty, fine grayish stuff which we mixed with water and used like clay. It dried without heat and then we painted it. I think she called is
as-bes-tos

And, yes, I do have a lot of respiratory problems. Why do you ask? :shrug:

[NNadir]

4. No. But I did make a model of the Milky Way.

I made the little stars out of Christmas sparkle. I put one star in place every ten seconds and - without sleeping ever or doing anything else - I was able to finish my model in about 33 years.

You may think that's trivial, but I assure you that placing each star correctly with respect to the other 99,999,999 at a rate of ten per second without sleep is a difficult task.

[Mutley]

5. Yup.

With styrofoam balls and wire. I colored them all and had them at different orbits around the sun. I think I must have been in second or third grade when I did this.

[likesmountains 52]

6. oh yea..and I made them with both of my kids too!

[Ptah]

7. Pluto's been tombstoned.

Please refer to the ex-plant as it-that-shall-not-be-named.

Thank you.
tombstoned!

[MoseyWalker]

8. Are the evil stupid evolutionary inclined scientists

just making fun of Pluto, like the bullies in the schoolyard?

Damn them. Damn them all.

stupid scientists. We should all be thankful for the creationist choice we are all offered by the grace of jesus on a tortilla.

damn those scientists. How could they take my favorite planet away?

Jesus knows it's wrong.