Building a model solar system is an awesome way for kids to get hands-on with science. If your kids have an interest in space and the solar system using models is a great wat to learn about the planets that orbit our Sun. Recreating the entire solar system from hand is not only fun, but it’s incredibly educational too. Here’s some awesome project ideas!
The Benefits of Building a Model Solar System
- Understanding Scale and Distances: Making a model helps kids grasp the vastness of space and how far apart the planets are.
- Planet Identification and Order: Creating a model helps kids learn the names of the planets, their order from the Sun, and possibly some unique facts about each one!
- Sparks Creativity: Building a model solar system gives kids the space to use their imagination! Allow them to personalize their planets with different colors, textures, and add details like Saturn’s rings.
- A Fun Learning Experience: Kids won’t even realize they’re soaking up science knowledge. Outer space is already easy to get kids excited about, now make it something tangible.
Awesome DIY Solar System Projects for Kids
Ready to try this at home? Here are a few different ways to build a model solar system, along with some cool kits to make it even easier:
- The Classic: Styrofoam Balls and Paint
Materials: Styrofoam balls (various sizes), paint, wooden skewers or rods, cardboard base. Ball Sizes
- Sun
- Mercury
- Venus
- Earth
- Mars
- Jupiter
- Saturn
- Uranus
- Neptune
Process: Paint the Styrofoam balls to represent the planets and the Sun. Attach them to the rods and stick those into your cardboard base.
What it teaches: Planet sizes, basic solar system order, artistic freedom
Limits: Distance between planets, planets orbits
2. Football Field example:
Go out to your closest football field and model the solar system! This activity is great at giving a sense of scale to the solar system. You can even get objects that correspond to the planets sizes.
Here is a great video going more in depth, with some great facts about the solar system.
Solar System Kits:
Become a mini planet architect and paint each celestial body while learning about the planets’ positions, sizes, and cool facts as you build!
Tips for Success:
- Start Simple: For younger kids, focus on the order and basic differences between the planets. With older kids, get more accurate with the distances and planet sizes for a scale model.
- Make It a Project: Turn it into a week-long activity! Dedicate each day to learning about different planets, painting them, and finally assembling your complete solar system.
- Have Fun! Building a solar system should be an exciting and engaging adventure! Let your kids’ creativity influence their creations.
Building a model solar system is an awesome way for kids to explore space and become little astronomers. Just remember, there’s no single “right” way to do it. The most important thing is to enjoy the process!