Decofoam

Get inspired with these great decofoam (also known as polystyrene) ideas!

Man in the Moon

Can you see the man in the Moon? Have you ever wonder why we always see the same side of the moon? The Moon rotates on its axis in the same amount of time it takes to orbit around the earth, this is know as Tidal Locking!

While learning more interesting facts during Science Week you can create your own orbiting Moon with our fun Man in the Moon Activity! 


  • Step 1Paint the 5cm decofoam ball like Earth using CleverPatch™ acrylic paint tubes. Mix white and black acrylic paint together to create grey. Paint the 3cm decofoam ball grey, this will be your Moon. Allow to dry.
  • Step 2Paint a small paper plate black. Allow to dry. Use PVA glue to decorate the plate with gold glitter and stars. Allow to dry.
  • Step 3Cut a small cross into centre of the plate using a hobby knife. Adult supervision is recommended when using a hobby knife.
  • Step 4Use a glue gun and glue together a skewer, spool and wooden wheel, this will be the stand. Adult supervision is recommended when using a glue gun. Allow to dry.
  • Step 5Place the paper plate onto the skewer and then push the Earth decofoam ball onto the top of the skewer.
  • Step 6Draw a smile and glue wiggle eyes on the Moon decofoam ball. Allow to dry.
  • Step 7Cut a piece of Armature Wire 15cm long and attach the Moon to one end. Place the other end into the Earth decofoam ball and bend slightly so the man in the Moon is looking at Earth. Now place your hand under the plate and gently spin the skewer and watch the Man in the Moon orbit the Earth!

Materials used in this activity

Wooden Skewers - Pack of 100
Optional
Product Code: 10014
EACH $3.07 (inc GST) $2.79 (ex GST)
6 or more $1.97 (inc GST) $1.79 (ex GST)          
Increase value Decrease value
Assorted Sequins Bulk Pack - Pack of 6 Shaker Tubs
Optional
Product Code: 10808
EACH $60.49 (inc GST) $54.99 (ex GST)
3 or more $48.39 (inc GST) $43.99 (ex GST)          
Increase value Decrease value
Product Code: 10815
EACH $4.39 (inc GST) $3.99 (ex GST)
Increase value Decrease value
Decofoam Balls - 5cm - Pack of 100
Optional
Product Code: 10846
EACH $19.79 (inc GST) $17.99 (ex GST)
4 or more $15.83 (inc GST) $14.39 (ex GST)          
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CleverPatch Glue Gun - Low Melt
Optional
Product Code: 11208
EACH $16.49 (inc GST) $14.99 (ex GST)
6 or more $9.89 (inc GST) $8.99 (ex GST)          
Increase value Decrease value
Star Sequins - Assorted - 50g Pack
Optional
Product Code: 11546
EACH $7.69 (inc GST) $6.99 (ex GST)
4 or more $5.38 (inc GST) $4.89 (ex GST)          
Increase value Decrease value
Wooden Spools - Natural - Pack of 72
Optional
Product Code: 12149
EACH $21.99 (inc GST) $19.99 (ex GST)
4 or more $16.49 (inc GST) $14.99 (ex GST)          
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Decofoam Balls - 3cm - Pack of 50
Optional
Product Code: 12265
EACH $6.59 (inc GST) $5.99 (ex GST)
4 or more $4.94 (inc GST) $4.49 (ex GST)          
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CleverPatch Junior PVA Glue - 1 Litre
Optional
Product Code: 12302
EACH $13.19 (inc GST) $11.99 (ex GST)
12 or more $9.23 (inc GST) $8.39 (ex GST)          
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Product Code: 15148
EACH $10.99 (inc GST) $9.99 (ex GST)
Increase value Decrease value
Paper Plates - Small - Pack of 50
Optional
Product Code: 16601
EACH $10.99 (inc GST) $9.99 (ex GST)
12 or more $8.79 (inc GST) $7.99 (ex GST)          
Increase value Decrease value
Product Code: 16880
EACH Was: $4.94 Now: $2.48 (inc GST) Was: $4.49 Now: $2.25 (ex GST)
Increase value Decrease value
Product Code: 16885
EACH $4.94 (inc GST) $4.49 (ex GST)
Increase value Decrease value
Product Code: 16886
EACH $4.94 (inc GST) $4.49 (ex GST)
Increase value Decrease value
Product Code: 16912
EACH $4.94 (inc GST) $4.49 (ex GST)
Increase value Decrease value
Wooden Wheels & Axles - Pack of 30
Optional
Product Code: 18643
EACH $16.49 (inc GST) $14.99 (ex GST)
10 or more $10.71 (inc GST) $9.74 (ex GST)          
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Armature Wire - 1.5mm x 50m
Optional
Product Code: 20963
EACH $32.99 (inc GST) $29.99 (ex GST)
5 or more $24.74 (inc GST) $22.49 (ex GST)          
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