Solar System Craft Projects
From LoveToKnow Crafts
Solar system craft projects can introduce your child to the world of space.
Making Science Fun
Some kids mistakenly believe that science is boring. They equate this topic with formulas and facts while overlooking all the fun that can be had in learning about the scientific world.
The solar system is a fascinating subject, especially since planets continue to be discovered by scientists. For younger children, however, learning the planets can be confusing. Solar system craft projects can help kids learn about the sun, the moon, the planets, stars, etc.
Before you begin, consider the following:
- Age of child-Choose a project that is applicable to the child's age. If you pick something that is too difficult or too easy, your child may become frustrated or bored.
- Supplies-If you are going to make 3-D projects, you'll probably need Styrofoam, wire, etc. However, you can also make solar systems using construction paper, material, poster board, etc. Be sure you gather all your supplies beforehand.
Creating a Solar System Mobile
One of the simplest solar system craft projects uses Styrofoam balls and paint.
Supplies
- Foam balls in various sizes from small to large.
- Acrylic paint
- Clothes hanger
- Cardboard
- Glue or tape
Instructions
Paint your "planets" before putting together the mobile. Suggested colors are as follows:
- Mercury-Black
- Venus-Brown and yellow
- Earth-Blue and green
- Mars-Red
- Jupiter-Red, orange, yellow
- Saturn-Brown and white
- Uranus-Sky blue
- Neptune-Navy and black
- Pluto-Purple and gray
Order planets by size accordingly from smallest to largest: Pluto, Mercury, Mars, Venus, Earth, Neptune, Uranus, Saturn, Jupiter, the Sun.
To create a ring for Saturn, you can glue or tape cardboard around the center of the ball. You can paint it a coordinating or contrasting color.
Cut wire in various lengths, depending on how long you want the mobile to hang. Using a sharp pencil or chopstick, poke a hole through the center of each ball.
Thread wire through each ball, bending the end of the wire to hold the ball in place. Wrap the remaining top portion of the wire around a pencil, then remove the pencil to create a spiral.
Attach the balls to the coat hanger, placing the sun in the middle.
If you would rather create a circular mobile, consider using a round object for the mobile, such as a straw wreath, tin pie plate, etc. Suspend balls around this object, placing the sun in the middle.
Solar System Craft Projects and Ideas
There are numerous solar system craft projects and ideas available on the Internet. While you are busy building these projects with your kids, however, why not cook up a few solar snacks? To teach the kids the various sizes of the planets, choose several food items, such as cookies, Ritz crackers, grapes, berries, etc. Before you dive in and eat, ask your kids to arrange the food items in the appropriate order for each planet's size.
Help your kids get excited about science by letting them participate in creating some fun and educational crafts! For more ideas on creating a solar system, check out the following sites:
- Solar System Quilt-This is a great class or family project!
- Solar System Model-This is a fairly simple mobile for your kids to create.
- Glow in the Dark Solar System-You'll use material and glow-in-the-dark paints for this project.
- Making Planets-Get some great ideas for creating individual planets at this website.
- Solar System Craft Idea-This website offers instructions for creating a simple solar system made out of construction paper, chalk, and glue. This is a great project for preschoolers and elementary school aged children.
Learn More
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