Moon landscape project

On this web page I'll show you the steps I took to create this lizard lunar landscape! This Moon project was designed for a small lizard such as a gecko, or for a tarantula.

With the addition of the lunar module, a basking spot is provided as well as a "hide". You could also use these plans to construct a different type of school project related to the surface of the Moon or obviously a project about when the united States first landed on the Moon.

Check out the video below on how to create this Moon model.

It describes the process of how this lunar project was created. It provides a detailed voice over that might help with areas difficult to understand.

Most people learn better by actually seeing a process take place. The video below will hopefully provide a good complement to what you can read here on this webpage.



The first thing I did was search for images of the lunar surface on the Internet. I also did a search for images depicting the lunar module. Next, I measured out the dimensions I wanted the lunar landscape to be.

I also figured out how large the lunar module had to be in order for a pet gecko lizard to use it for a hide. I used several sheets of polystyrene to construct both the lunar landscape and the module. Using a product called loctites power grab I glued the pieces together to form the base of the model. This process can be much more easily understood by watching part two of the videos above.

Next I moved on to the grouting stage. Using non sanded gray colored grout, I applied three layers of grout making each layer slightly thicker respectively. Then I made a somewhat thick layer of grout and applied a little bit here and there on the lunar surface.

I waited about 45 to 60 minutes for it to almost dry and then pressed the end of a toothbrush into the grout making small impact marks simulating craters. Then I moved on to the painting stage of this Moon project. The lunar surface was pretty much already the color gray, but I added some more detail with some gray colored acrylic paint.

The lunar module model was already white so what I did was add some detail here and there outlining certain sections all the while looking at pictures of the lunar module to get ideas for this Moon model. Of course the last stage was drawing out an American flag which really sold the idea that it was the lunar module.

Then I proceeded to use a nontoxic sealant called Shields All. You can find a list of materials in the FAQ page of this website.

I applied four layers of nontoxic sealant to both the moon's surface and the lunar module. You want to let this dry or cure for at least 72 hours. After 72 hours it achieves a full water repellent finish. Then as a last stage, using the same sealant as an adhesive, I applied a light layer of nontoxic colored gray sand to the Moon project surface, and a little bit of white colored sand to the lunar module. The sand provides traction for a pet lizard and it also counteracts the shiny finish left behind when you use a sealant. Be sure and check out the videos above detailing this Moon model project. Watch part one as my bearded dragon attempts to be the first lizard to walk on the Moon!

Or check out the many other projects on this website, there should be something for everyone.