In over my head and the science project of a lifetime...

I need to help approximately 10-20 seven-ten year olds create a giant (and by giant...I mean truly GIANT) model of our galaxy-- yes, I meant galaxy, not solar system-- in a very large hall at the church.

And I need to do it on a pretty restricted budget, no more than a couple hundred dollars.

The challenges include:

1. The galaxy is, well, giant, and I need basically a map of it even though it isn't fully mapped.

2. Since there isn't a complete map, I need to decide what is important to demonstrate about the galaxy, and figure out a way to demonstrate those elements first and foremost. I am thinking the vastness is a start, but there are more specific scientific points that shouldn't probably be demonstrated.

3. Hopefully, the galaxy will be hung. I have to figure out what to use for materials. Balloons, beach balls, styrofoam balls...?? At first I was thinking that each would represent a star or planet, and that we would create a "condensed"/mini/unfinished version of the galaxy, but I am realizing after looking at the second picture here that it might be better and would definitely be more accurate to use each one for a solar system...perhaps sharpie pens to mark the systems??

Oh, and I have been researching and strategizing for a while, but it is coming down to the wire. I have two weeks to get this figured out and set up. Ack! Help!!!!!! I need some good advice, tips, ideas, and suggestions, and it can't include "give up."

Here are the links I've found helpful or awe-inspiring so far, aside from the fantastic one above, with the picture:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milky_Way
• http://amazing-space.stsci.edu/resources/explorations/galaxies-galore/build/index.html
• http://amazing-space.stsci.edu/resources/qa/galaxies.php.p=Astronomy+basics%40%2Ceds%2Castronomy-basics.php&a=%2Ceds
• http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/en/kids/phonedrmarc/2002_march.shtml
• http://teachspacescience.org/cgi-bin/search.plex?mode=topic&gl=elem&subject=space&subtopic=&topic=Galaxies
• http://teachspacescience.org/graphics/pdf/10001032.pdf (pdf)
• http://stardate.org/pdfs/btss/build_your_own_galaxy.pdf (pdf)
• http://nasascience.nasa.gov/big-questions/big_question_by_division_list?division=astrophysics
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5zVlEywGZg&feature=related (youtube vid)
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0-lsyo28SU (youtube vid)
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvhimW97Kj4&feature=related (youtube vid)