How to Make a Shuttle Model

The space shuttle is a multi-purpose aircraft that is made to make short trips into space. It is able to orbit earth, travel to the Space Station, repair satellites then return to earth landing like any aircraft.  Using recycled items to make a model of the Space Shuttle reinforces care for the environment as well as the excitement of space exploration.

Materials:

• 2-liter plastic soda bottle
• Two egg cartons either styrofoam or paper
• 6-ounce paper cup
• Newspaper
• White glue for paper mache
• Ice cream bucket or bowl
• Water
• Scissors
• Masking Tape
• Two paper clips
• Picture of the space shuttle
• Paint in the colors of  the space shuttle

Procedure:

1. Make wings from the lids of the egg cartons.
2. Use the masking tape to tape the wings to the side of the plastic bottle.
3. Cut out one of the egg holders.
4. Tape it to the bottom exterior of the 6 ounce cup.
5. Fit the cup over the neck of the bottle. 
   • If the neck is too long for the cup to fit over the neck and tape cleanly to the bottle. 
   • Use the scissors to trim the screws off the bottle.
     
   1. Tape the cup to the opening of the bottle.
   2. Cut the tail rudder from the egg carton lid.
   3. Put four small holes into the top of the space shuttle.
   4. Two small holes next to each other about one-third from the nose cone and two holes next to each other near the rear rudder. 
   5. Insert paper clips hooking them in the plastic through their two respective small holes.  Unfold the paperclips to make hangers.
   6. Add about 2 cups of water into the ice cream bucket.
   7. Add about 2 cups of white glue into the water.
   8. Cut the newspaper into strips.
   9. Saturate the newspaper in separate individual strips in the glue water.
   10. Apply individual strips over your space shuttle model until completely covered in paper mache.  Cover around the paperclips but leaving enough so you can hang the project, if desired.
   11. Form the paper mache so it is smooth and in the form of the space shuttle.
   12. Allow to dry overnight.
   13. Paint the model according to the picture of the space shuttle.
   14. Allow paint to dry.