How to Make a Mini Globe With a Styrofoam Ball

Make a mini globe from a small Styrofoam ball.

A Styrofoam ball can be turned into a small-scale model of the world without much trouble. However, because Styrofoam balls have an unusual texture, it is difficult for paint to adhere to the surface. In fact, some paints can even melt Styrofoam. To prevent this problem, cover the ball in papier mache before painting to create a smooth surface for the globe. Use this globe as a craft project for Earth Day, or as a science project or decoration.

Things You'll Need

• Small Styrofoam ball
• Newspaper
• White glue
• Acrylic paints
• Paintbrushes
• World map
• Pencil
• Cardboard

Instructions

1. Tear the newspaper into 2-inch-wide strips. Mix two parts water and one part glue in a small bowl. Dip the strips into the glue mixture and cover the ball with two layers of paper. Allow the ball to dry overnight.

2. Paint the entire globe blue. Allow the paint to dry.

3. Print out a world map. Trace the outline of the major continents onto the globe with a pencil.

4. Paint the continents with brown and green paint. Allow the paint to dry two hours. Dab on some white paint to look like clouds. Allow the ball to dry overnight.

5. Make a stand for the globe by cutting four strips of cardboard about 2 inches high and 6 inches long. Glue the four strips together and rest the globe inside the cardboard stand.