How to Make a Spinning 3D Globe

3D Spinning Globe

A globe is a 3D representation of the Earth. A map of the world is drawn or pasted onto a sphere in order to create a realistic impression of the appearance of the entire planet. Any number of features may be indicated, the most common being the nations of the world and major cities and geographical features. A globe can be spun around to allow viewing from different sides. To accomplish this, the globe is mounted on a rod that turns on a base. You can make a simple globe out of Styrofoam.

Things You'll Need

• Styrofoam ball, 8 inches in diameter
• Blue paint or spray paint
• Metal rod, 12 inches long (can use the straight part of another hanger)
• Wooden disk, 3 inches square by 1/2 inch thick
• Nail or drill

Instructions

1. Paint the entire globe blue to represent the oceans. This is the only required feature. You may wish to add images of continents, nations or geographical features as you prefer. Either draw them in, or cut out pictures of the appropriate size.

2. Insert the metal rod through the center of the 3D globe. It should stick out about 2 inches at each end from the North Pole and the South Pole.

3. Use a nail or a drill to make a hole in the center of the wooden block. The hole should not go all the way through the block. Insert the South Pole end of the metal rod into the center of the wooden block. You should now be able to spin your 3D globe on this base.

Tips & Warnings

• Make different continents or countries different colors on your 3D globe. You can also make a celestial globe of the night sky. Just use black as a base color instead of blue, and replace the continents and countries with the constellations. Keep your continents in proportion by aligning them with the midpoint, or equator, of your globe. You can also pencil in additional lines for some of the lines of latitude or longitude. A few of these lines can serve as references when placing your continents, countries and other geographical features.

Resources

• Smoothfoam Styrofoam balls and other styrofoam pieces
• 1-World Globes globes of all sizes
• Ultimate Globes globes of all sizes