Space Sensory Bin

Blast off into a world of fun with this exciting Space Sensory Bin. It’s perfect for your kid’s imagination as they explore outer space through hands-on play. Filled with various space elements, this bin offers endless opportunities for kids to get into a cosmic adventure.

If you enjoyed this activity, check out my list of Space Activities for Kids.

Whether your child is pretending to land on the moon or discovering hidden space rocks, this sensory bin is sure to keep them engaged for hours. It’s a fantastic activity, providing both a calming experience and an exciting journey through the galaxy.

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Fun Facts About Space

Space is full of wonders. From planets to stars, there’s so much to discover about the vast universe we live in. Here are some amazing facts to make learning about space even more exciting:

• More Stars than Grains of Sand – It’s true! Scientists estimate that there are about 100 billion stars in our galaxy alone, and many more in the universe.
• Saturn’s Rings – Saturn’s beautiful rings are made up of billions of ice and rock particles that are constantly moving.
• The Sun is Not Yellow – When we see the Sun from Earth, it looks yellow because of how Earth’s atmosphere scatters sunlight. In space, though, the Sun is actually white.

Recommended Space Books

Explore the wonders of the universe with this selection of space books! From planets to stars, these stories will take your kids on a thrilling journey through space, sparking excitement with each page. These are perfect for children eager to learn more about the mysteries of space.

Super Cool Space Facts: A Fun, Fact-filled Space Book for KidsThe Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar SystemThere Was a Black Hole that Swallowed the Universe: A Funny Rhyming Space BookPete the Cat: Out of This WorldThere’s No Place Like Space: All About Our Solar System (Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library)ABC Dinosaurs in Space Science Book for Kids: Educational Picture Book about Outer Space

 

Why is it important for kids to learn about space?

Learning about space is an exciting journey for kids! It opens a world of wonder and curiosity, helping them understand our universe and their place in it. By exploring planets, stars, and galaxies, children develop a sense of awe for science.

Learning about space helps kids ask questions and think critically as they search for answers. It can also spark their interest in subjects like math and technology, which are important for many jobs in the future.

I love how space exploration fuels their imagination. From dreaming of becoming astronauts to imagining life on other planets, the possibilities are endless. Engaging with space topics can lead to fun family activities like stargazing or visiting a planetarium.

Ultimately, teaching kids about space instills a lifelong love of learning and a sense of adventure, which I want to encourage in my children!

Recommended Space Toys

Adding space-themed toys to the sensory bin can elevate the experience, allowing kids to create their own mini space adventures. They not only complement the bin’s textures but also bring the outer space theme to life, making the learning even more imaginative.

Learning Resources Shining Stars ProjectorZeoddler Solar System Puzzle for Kids 3-6, Wooden Space Toys for Kids, Planets for Kids, Preschool Learning Activities, Gift for Boys, GirlsRocket Ship Play Tent PlayhouseSolar System for Kids Toys with 61 Felt Figures – BONNYCO | Space Montessori Toys for Girls Boys Birthday Gifts of Planets, Felt Board for Toddlers, Educational Kids Gifts 3 4 5 6 7 8 Years ChristmasMAGNA-TILES Space 32-Piece Magnetic Construction Set, The Original Magnetic Building BrandLittle Tikes Adventure Rocket Realistic Space Astronaut Pretend Role Play for Kids, Boys, Girls, 2-6 Years Old, 40 x 18 x 18 inches

 

How to make this space activity more interactive

To make the space sensory bin even more exciting, try pairing it with these Space Activity Sheets. While your kids explore the textures and treasures in the sensory bin, these sheets can guide their curiosity about planets, stars, and the solar system. They’re perfect for adding some fun learning to the hands-on play.

You can even try this Solar System Craft and encourage them to learn fun facts about each planet as they build, like which ones have rings or which are the hottest. This way, they can explore space in a memorable way.

Combining sensory play with structured activities surely keeps the excitement going. After digging through the bin, my kids loved coloring in the illustrations and solving puzzles on the sheets. It tied everything together and gave them more ways to explore their love for space!

Recommended Space Toys

Adding space-themed toys to the sensory bin can elevate the experience, allowing kids to create their own mini space adventures. They not only complement the bin’s textures but also bring the outer space theme to life, making the learning even more imaginative!

Daron NASA Space Adventure Series: Space ShuttleMelissa & Doug Solar System Floor PuzzleLEGO City Space Mars Research ShuttleLearning Resources Shining Stars Projector4M 3427 Solar System PlanetariumRocket Ship Play Tent Playhouse

 

Recommended Space Activity Kits

These activity kits are a fun and easy way to get into space learning! Your kids will explore the wonders of space, from planets to stars, all while practicing important skills. These kits are sure to make learning about space interactive and enjoyable!

Space Activity Supplies

Take a look at the various supplies you would need to get started on your adventure to space:

• Black Pom Poms
• Black Sparkly Pom Poms
• Purple Pom Poms
• Aluminum Foil
• Foam Scatter Stars
• Glitter Gold Pipe Cleaners
• Vase Filler Gemstones
• Trays
• Silicone Muffin Containers
• Plastic Scoop

How to make this space sensory play

Setting up our sensory bin was such a fun time with my kids! We started with black pom poms as the base, making it look like a mysterious universe.

They loved spreading everything out and giggled as they transformed our kitchen table into a colorful galaxy. The shiny aluminum foil added some sparkle, and my kids had a blast crinkling it, pretending it was the surface of a faraway planet.

Next, we added purple pom poms and foam scatter stars to make it even more exciting. My kids had so much fun placing the colorful pieces around, imagining what kind of creatures might live on their pretend planets.

They twisted the glitter gold pipe cleaners into fun shapes, talking about how astronauts might move in space. It was amazing to see their creativity shine as they came up with stories about their creations.

Finally, we introduced the vase fillers and plastic scoop for some extra fun. My kids enjoyed using the scoop to gather the gems, pretending they were collecting special space rocks.

We spent the whole afternoon exploring the sensory bin, sharing ideas, and encouraging each other’s play.

This whole setup not only kept them entertained for hours but also sparked their interest in space as we laughed and played together in our very own universe.

More Space Activities

You can take the space adventure even further with additional activities that fuel your kid’s creativity and imagination! These extra ideas are sure to keep them entertained and immersed in their out-of-this-world adventure.

• Space Games for Kids
• Space Coloring Pages Printable
• Space Dot to Dot Printables
• Space Writing Prompts by Homeschool Preschool
• I Spy Solar System File Folder Game Printable by 3 Boys and a Dog

Your kids will enjoy this solar system sensory bin for fun hands-on play. The different textures and elements make it an enjoyable experience for kids. It’s a simple yet exciting way to introduce space in your lessons.