Solar System Craft
I’ve always loved helping my kids explore science through hands-on projects, and this Solar System Craft was one of our favorites. It’s a fun way to learn about planets while getting creative with simple materials. When my daughter was younger, she was fascinated by space, so this project made learning about the planets more engaging and memorable.
If you’re looking for more fun ideas like this, check out Space Activities for Kids. It’s full of creative and educational ways to make space learning exciting at home.
Not only will they get to use their creative side by making colorful planets, moons, and comets, but they will come away with a deeper appreciation for the amazing world in which we live.
Assembling this one-of-a-kind model of the solar system is educational and fun. Truly a winning combination for any homeschooling parent.
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Why study the Solar System?
Studying the solar system is important for children, as it helps them gain an understanding of the universe and their place in it.
It teaches them about Earth’s position in the solar system, its relationship to other planets and moons, and how it influences phenomena such as the length of days and seasons. It also teaches about events that occur in outer space, such as solar storms or eclipses.
Recommended Solar System Books
Your kids can learn more about the solar system with these educational solar system books! This can also benefit your kids by encouraging strong reading skills, improving their knowledge on a variety of topics, and expanding their imaginations.
I Am the Solar SystemSolar System for Kids: A Junior Scientist’s Guide to PlanetsMy First Book of Planets: All About the Solar System for KidsThe Solar System For Kids: All About the Solar System for Kids Ages 7-12Solar System for KidsHello, World! Solar System
What lessons are connected to this topic?
This activity connects perfectly with early science concepts and art lessons. Here are a few you can include in your homeschool days.
- Solar System Basics: Kids learn to identify the planets, their colors, and their order from the sun. It’s a great introduction to astronomy in a simple, visual way.
- Art and Creativity: Using colored paper, glue, and scissors encourages kids to express their creativity while also improving fine motor skills.
- Observation and Comparison: Discussing how each planet is unique helps children develop observation and comparison skills, which are essential in science learning.
Recommended Space Printable Packs
If your kids enjoy learning about planets, I’ve also used a few printable packs that complement this topic perfectly. These sets include hands-on activities and worksheets that make learning about space even more interactive.
What skills can kids learn from this activity?
This craft isn’t just fun; it’s also a rich source of learning opportunities.
- Fine Motor Skills: Cutting and gluing small paper pieces helps kids practice hand-eye coordination and control.
- Visual Learning: Creating the planets in color provides kids with a visual understanding of how distinct each planet appears.
- Following Directions: The step-by-step process helps kids improve their ability to listen, focus, and follow directions carefully.
Recommended Solar System Toys
Add these to your learning materials for your upcoming solar system science lesson. Having these will make your lesson so fun and interesting.
ERWEI 3D Solar System Model Crystal Ball 80mm 3.15Jinnto Educational STEM Box Model Solar System Toy Project for Kids – Rotating Building Planetarium Model DIY – 3 In1 Exciting Astronomy Game KitSolar System Planet Balls for Kids Set of 10, Planet Bouncy Balls for Kids Early Learning, Hand Squeeze Sensory Ball ToyREMOKING Solar System Wall Chart, Learning Talking Planet & Story & Music& Facts & Games PosterLearning Resources Giant Inflatable Solar System, Kids Solar System, Astronomy for Kids, 8 Planets, 13 Pieces, Grades K+Wooden Solar System Puzzle Toys – 7.75 x 5.82 in Planets Jigsaw Puzzles for Kids, Space Learning Education Toys, Montessori Astronaut Thinking Training Puzzle, Educational Great Gifts
Solar System Craft Supplies
- Liquid Glue
- White Gel Pen
- Scissors
- Colored Papers (Black, Pink, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue)
Making the Solar System Craft
When we worked on this project, I loved seeing how creatively my kids approached their planets. My daughter took her time deciding which colors matched each planet, while my teen helped draw the orbits with a steady hand. It’s one of those activities that keeps everyone engaged, no matter their age.
This craft gave us plenty of time to talk about space, and I noticed how proud my daughter was when she saw her final project displayed on the wall. We even added labels for each planet to make it feel more complete.
What ages is this activity good for?
With parental supervision, this activity is suitable for a wide range of ages. Older kids will have fun with this activity because they can really display their artistic creativity in making the solar system.
They’ll love designing the look of the planets, making them look unique and fun, and placing them in order. Then, see how much knowledge they can tell you about the planets, and let their confidence shine!
How to extend the activity
After completing your solar system, keep the learning going with these fun ideas.
- Space Rocket Pop-Up Card: Make a 3D rocket card to explore how astronauts travel through space.
- Fun Planets Flapbook Printable: Let kids lift the flaps to learn more facts about each planet.
- Stargazing Night: Head outside after sunset and try to spot planets or constellations together. This stargazing printable will be very useful.
- Space Storytime: Have your child make up a story about visiting one of the planets they created.
More Space Activities
Here are a few more fun space ideas you can explore together.
- Lunar Eclipse Worksheet for Kids
- Backyard Astronomy Adventure Guide
- Star Life Cycle Worksheet
- Outer Space Craft Ideas
- Outer Space Art Projects
- Solar System Game For Kids by Simple Everyday Mom
- Space Activities for Preschoolers by 3 Boys and a Dog
Creating this hands-on solar system activity is an easy and engaging way to teach kids about planets while spending quality time together. It’s simple to set up, helps build important skills, and keeps learning fun at home. If your kids are into space, this activity will definitely be a hit.
Solar System Craft
Equipment
- Elmer’s Liquid School Glue
- Pacon Tru-Ray Heavyweight Construction Paper, Black, 9″ x 12″, 50 Sheets, Sulphite Construction Paper
- White Gel Pen for Artists
Materials
- Liquid Glue
- White Gel Pen
- Scissors
- Colored Papers Black, Pink, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue
Instructions
- Using the liquid glue, attach two of the black papers together.
- Draw eight curve lines with an equal amount of space between each other using the white gel pen.
- To create the different planets, use colored paper and cut each into different-sized circles depending on the planet you wish to create.
- Cut out french fry-like pieces using the scissors and orange paper then attach them to the yellow circle. Use the image below as a guide.
- For the earth, cut out the continent shape on green paper and attach it to the blue circle.
- Repeat step 5 but use orange paper then paste it into the red circle.
- Create a ring (like a long letter c) using red paper and attach it to the pink circle.
- Cut out french fry-like pieces again but with red, orange, and yellow paper then paste it to the largest yellow paper. You have now created the final planet!
- It is now time to paste the planets you've created onto the black paper. Each planet should be placed on its individual white line.
- To create the sun, make a semicircle using yellow paper. Make another semicircle bigger than the yellow one but with orange paper. It should have edges like the sun. Once done, attach the two pieces together.
- Draw small stars around the planets for the final touches. Now, using the white gel pen, label your artwork with the words "Solar System". You are now done!