Build a Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Model: Step-by-Step School Project Guide

Materials

• Cardboard or foam board (base & tower sections)
• White & red construction paper (or paint)
• Black construction paper (windows)
• Scissors / craft knife, ruler, pencil, protractor
• Glue (white craft glue or hot glue)
• Optional: LED tea light, miniature flag, sand/texture paint for base

Instructions

1. Research & Template: Find blueprints/photos of the 1870 lighthouse (210 ft, black-and-white spiral, hexagonal lantern). Sketch scaled templates: octagonal base, tapering cylindrical tower (split into 3–4 sections), hexagonal lantern room, gallery deck.
2. Cut Components: Trace templates onto cardboard/foam board; cut carefully. Score fold lines for clean edges.
3. Assemble Base: Glue octagonal base to bottom tower section. Reinforce with internal cardboard ribs.
4. Build Tower: Stack and glue tower sections, checking vertical alignment with a level or plumb line.
5. Add Windows: Cut small black rectangles; glue symmetrically per reference photos (typically 3–4 tiers).
6. Construct Lantern Room: Assemble hexagonal lantern; add clear plastic or acetate for glass panes. Top with a small copper-colored roof (painted bottle cap works).
7. Paint & Detail: Base coat white. Mask and paint the iconic black spiral bands (or use black paper strips). Paint lantern room red. Add door, vent balls, lightning rod.
8. Label: Attach small tags: Base, Tower, Watch Room, Lantern, Gallery, Fresnel Lens.
9. Create Display Base: Cover a sturdy board with sand-colored paint/texture; add model sea oats, a keeper’s house footprint, or a "Diamond Shoals" sign.
10. Present: Include a one-page fact sheet: height, light range, history (moved 1999), Fresnel lens specs.

Pro Tips

• Use a sharp craft knife for foam board; replace blades often.
• Test-fit before gluing.
• An LED tea light inside the lantern makes a stunning demo.
• Cite sources (National Park Service, lighthousefriends.com) on your fact sheet.

Enjoy the build—you’re recreating a beacon that has guided mariners since 1870!