How to Make a Model of an Asteroid for Kids

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Many kids enjoy learning about astronomy and the solar system. In school and at home, children may create projects or models of the planets, sun, rockets and asteroids. Making asteroids can be a fun and creative activity for kids since they can use different materials to craft them. You can work with your kids to make tasty edible asteroid models out of mashed potatoes.

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You can make edible asteroids using potatoes.
Image Credit: Thinkstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images

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Things You'll Need

  • Pot And A Potato Masher Or Electric Mixer (Optional)

  • 4 To 7 Pounds Of Fresh Or Instant Mashed Potatoes Or 4 To 8 Cups

  • 1 Cup Grated Cheddar Cheese (Optional)

  • Mixing Bowl And Spoon

  • Salt And Pepper

  • 1/4 Cup (1/2 Stick) Butter Or Margarine

  • Cookie Sheet

  • Oven Mitts

Step 1

Heat your oven to 375 degrees F.

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Step 2

Grease your cookie sheet with a small scoop of margarine or butter or use non-stick cooking spray.

Step 3

Cook the mashed potatoes. If you are using fresh potatoes, peel, cut and boil the potatoes the same as cooking them for dinner. You may also use instant potatoes. Don't add too much water to instant mashed potatoes. This makes the consistency too soft. Make 4 to 8 cups depending on the number of asteroid models.

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Step 4

Add the cheese to the potatoes in a mixing bowl if desired. Add the ½ stick of butter, salt and pepper to the potatoes. Mix the ingredients with a spoon until they stick together. Adjust the consistency of the mixture by adding flour if it is too watery or milk if it is too thick.

Step 5

Scoop or grab a handful of the mashed potato mixture. Roll it around in your hands and shape it into an asteroid shape according to a picture or your own idea. Make indentations by pressing your fingers and thumbs into the ball.

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Step 6

Place the asteroid on the cookie sheet. Repeat steps 5 and 6 until you are finished making asteroids or all of the mixture is used.

Step 7

Place the cookie sheet on the first or second oven rack and allow the asteroids to bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. They should be nice and brown.

Step 8

Remove the cookie sheet from the oven with oven mitts. Put the asteroids on a platter and let them cool.

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