Model an asteroid
Make a scaled asteroid model from clay and recycled materials, create craters by dropping small clay balls, and learn about composition, scale, and impact effects.
About this activity
Make a scaled asteroid model from clay and recycled materials, create craters by dropping small clay balls, and learn about composition, scale, and impact effects.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather all your materials and place them on a clean flat workspace.
- 2
Step 2
On your paper write the real asteroid diameter in kilometers that you want to model.
- 3
Step 3
Write a scale on your paper to turn kilometers into centimeters (for example write "1 cm = 10 km").
- 4
Step 4
Calculate the model diameter in centimeters using your scale and write that number on the paper.
- 5
Step 5
Cut or trim a piece of recycled cardboard to make a flat base and put it on your workspace.
- 6
Step 6
Roll modeling clay into a ball that matches the model diameter and check the size with your ruler.
- 7
Step 7
Roll a small ball of a different colored clay to be the asteroid's core.
- 8
Step 8
Press the small core into the center of your clay ball and smooth the outer clay so the core is hidden inside.
- 9
Step 9
Roll at least three small impactor balls of different sizes from the extra clay.
- 10
Step 10
Hold a small impactor about 10 centimeters above the asteroid and drop it straight down to make a crater.
- 11
Step 11
Hold a larger impactor higher up (for example 30 centimeters) and drop it to make a bigger crater.
- 12
Step 12
Look carefully at the craters and note which craters are wider or deeper and how the impactor size and drop height changed them.
- 13
Step 13
Write your observations on your paper about scale composition and impact effects.
- 14
Step 14
Label the cardboard base with your model scale and a short note about the asteroidâs composition using a pen or colouring materials.
- 15
Step 15
Take photos or a short description of your finished asteroid model and share your creation on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I make a scaled asteroid model with clay and recycled materials?
Start by choosing a real asteroidâs diameter and a scale (for example 1:1,000,000). Roll a large ball of clay for the core and press in recycled bits (foil, bottle caps, cardboard) to mimic boulders. Make several small clay balls and drop them from different heights to form craters. Measure distances to show scale, let pieces dry or air-cure, then paint and label composition zones like rock and ice. Discuss what each impact shows about collisions.
What materials do I need to model an asteroid at home?
Youâll need modeling clay or air-dry clay, small extra clay balls for creating craters, assorted recycled materials (cardboard, aluminum foil, bottle caps, plastic scraps), a ruler or measuring tape for scale, a mat or newspaper to protect surfaces, paints and brushes, glue for attaching recyclables, and a safe place to drop clay balls (a chair or low step). Optional: markers, a scale chart, and a camera to document results.
What ages is this scaled asteroid activity suitable for?
This project suits a wide range: ages 4â6 can shape clay and make simple craters with supervision; ages 7â10 can handle scale measurements, drop experiments, and discuss composition; ages 11+ can calculate scale, compare real asteroid sizes, and test impact variables. Always supervise young children to prevent small parts being swallowed and help with cutting, measuring, or using harder materials.
What are the benefits of making a scaled asteroid model?
Building an asteroid model teaches STEM conceptsâscale, composition, and impact effectsâwhile practicing fine motor skills and observational science. It encourages recycling, creativity, and hypothesis testing when comparing crater sizes to drop heights. The hands-on nature strengthens spatial thinking and vocabulary (crater, impact, ejecta). Itâs also a low-cost, engaging way for families to explore astronomy and discuss planetary defense and scientific method basics together.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have modeling clay or recycled cardboard?
If you don't have modeling clay use Play-Doh or air-dry clay and substitute the recycled cardboard base with a cereal box panel or foam board while checking sizes with any ruler or measuring tape.
What should we do if the clay ball isn't the right size or the core keeps showing through?
Re-measure the intended model diameter with your ruler and either add or trim clay to match the calculated centimeters, press the colored core deeper into the ball, then smooth the outer clay again before rolling impactors.
How can we change the activity for younger kids or older kids?
For younger children simplify the scale to 1 cm = 100 km, pre-roll the asteroid and impactor balls and have an adult cut the cardboard base, while older kids can measure crater widths with the ruler, repeat drops from different heights, and record detailed observations on the paper.
How can we make the asteroid model more realistic or turn it into a longer project?
Press sand or fine gravel into the outer clay before dropping impactors to change surface texture, paint and label the finished model on the cardboard base with composition notes, and photograph each crater to compare widths and depths for a mini science report.