33 Solar System Project Ideas for Kids that are out of this World

Have you been in search of some of the solar system project ideas for kids that are out of this world? Well, search no more, we’ve got you covered.

This article reviews some of the solar system project ideas for kids that are out of this world.

Engaging children in educational activities is crucial for their development. One exciting topic that captures their curiosity is the solar system.

Learning about the planets, moons, and other celestial bodies sparks their imagination and fosters a love for science. To make the learning process more interactive and enjoyable, we have compiled a list of 33 solar system project ideas for kids.

These projects are designed to ignite their creativity and provide hands-on learning experiences. From creating model planets to designing rockets, these ideas will take your child on an educational journey that is truly out of this world!

Before we dive deep into some of the solar system project ideas for kids, let us take a look at what the solar system is all about.

What is the Solar System?

The Sun and everything that circles, or moves around, the Sun make up the solar system. The eight planets and their moons, the dwarf planets, innumerable asteroids, comets, and other tiny, ice objects are all included in this. Even so, the majority of the solar system is still empty space.

The Milky Way galaxy, which contains a vast system of stars and other objects, is larger than the solar system alone. Every 225 million years or thereabouts, the solar system makes an orbit around the galactic center. One of the billions of galaxies that make up the universe is the Milky Way galaxy.

33 Solar System Project Ideas for Kids that are Out of this World!

After thorough research, our team of experts at Shoreloop has curated a list of some of the solar system project ideas for kids that are out of this world.

Below are some of the solar system project ideas for kids in 2023.

1. Create a 3D Solar System Model:

One of the classic solar system projects for kids is creating a 3D model. Using foam balls or clay, children can design and paint each planet to scale and then arrange them in order from the sun. This project helps them understand the relative sizes and distances between the worlds.

2. Design a Planet Mobile:

Constructing a planet mobile allows children to explore the orbits of planets around the sun. They can cut out or paint planet shapes and attach them to strings of varying lengths, representing their different distances from the sun.

3. Make a Solar System Diorama:

Bring the solar system to life with a diorama! Children can use a shoebox or similar container to create a three-dimensional representation of the sun, planets, and moons. They can use craft materials like clay, paint, and glitter to add detail and texture to their model.

4. Build a Solar System Puzzle:

Transforming the solar system into a puzzle is an excellent way for kids to develop problem-solving skills. They can draw or print pictures of the planets and cut them into puzzle pieces. Assembling the puzzle will help them remember the order and characteristics of each world.

5. Create a Planet Fact Book:

Encourage research and writing skills by asking children to create a planet fact book. They can gather information about each planet’s size, distance from the sun, composition, and interesting facts. They can then organize the data into a book format, adding illustrations or photographs.

6. Construct a Rocket Launcher:

Designing and building a rocket launcher is an exciting project that combines engineering and physics concepts. Kids can use plastic bottles, cardboard, and a compressed air source to launch rockets into the air, mimicking space travel.

7. Make Edible Planet Models:

Combine creativity and a love for food by making edible planet models. Children can use different fruits like oranges, grapes, and blueberries to represent the planets. They can also use toothpicks or straws to build the planets’ rings or attach smaller moons.

8. Wear a Solar System:

After the paint is ready and the clear coat has dried, have students paint various-sized wooden beads to resemble the planets. Then, have them string the finished creations into a chain or thread.

9. Use Balloons and Rice to Build Planets:

Watch these endearing twins demonstrate how to construct planet models out of rice and balloons. Display the finished models on plastic cups marked with the names of the planets.

10. Build a Solar System Scale Model:

In this project, children can create a scaled-down version of the solar system using everyday objects. They can use different-sized balls, marbles, or even small fruits to represent the planets, carefully arranging them at appropriate distances to reflect their actual positions.

11. Create mixed-Media-Art Solar Systems

This project will take several days to finish, but the outcome is absolutely awesome! First, paint cotton rounds that resemble the planets with liquid watercolors and a pipette. Then, stuff an embroidery hoop with black fabric.

Provide acrylic paints to your students so they can decorate the fabric. Wet paint can be embellished with sequins or glitter to create a more realistic-looking night sky, therefore teachers should urge their students to do so. Let them glue their planets wherever they wish to finish.

12. Create a Planetarium Projector

Children can construct a DIY planetarium projector using a flashlight and a cylindrical container. By poking holes in the container to represent stars, they can project the night sky onto a wall or ceiling, allowing them to identify constellations and planets.

13. Design a Paper Mache Planet:

Paper mache is a fun and messy project that allows kids to create textured planet models. By forming a base with crumpled newspaper, applying layers of paper strips soaked in a glue mixture, and painting the surface, they can bring the planets to life.

14. Paint Rocks to Resemble Planets:

Why not try painting rocks to imitate the planets and the sun seeing as how painting rocks is usually enjoyable? When finished, arrange them on a sheet of black card stock. To properly capture the intricacies and to even leave them outside for others to find, use fine-tip permanent paint pens.

15. Build a Sundial:

Constructing a sundial helps children understand how the Earth’s rotation affects the passage of time. They can use a cardboard base, a pencil, and small objects like stones to create a simple sundial. By tracking the pencil’s shadow, they can tell the time based on the sun’s position.

16. Create a Solar System Jewelry:

Transform the solar system into wearable art! Children can make necklaces or bracelets using beads or clay spheres to represent the planets. This project allows them to showcase their creativity and carry the solar system anywhere.

17. Play Solar System Bingo

Why not try painting rocks to imitate the planets and the sun seeing as how painting rocks are usually enjoyable? When finished, arrange them on a sheet of black card stock. To properly capture the intricacies and to even leave them outside for others to find, use fine-tip permanent paint pens.

18. Map out the Solar System on the Floor

We also enjoy that this one is interactive; some solar system projects need a lot of planning but are definitely worth it!

19. Design a Spaceship Prototype

Encourage imagination and engineering skills by challenging kids to design their spaceship prototype. They can use recycled materials, cardboard, and art supplies to construct a model that represents their vision of a futuristic spacecraft.

20. To Pluto or not to Pluto

Students should first read two articles, one arguing for and against Pluto being reclassified as a planet. Then ask them to choose the most relevant information from each article and come to their own conclusions.

Once they’ve made a choice, they’ll design a poster that expresses their opinion and justification for it. Finally, ask them to design an astronaut version of themselves to demonstrate their voting.

21. Use Stickers to Create a Space Scene

To construct the background for your solar system scene, use the splatter technique. Buy planet stickers like these in abundance so that children can construct their solar systems with ease.

22. Craft a Solar System Garland

Although it is not a free printable, we believe this reasonably priced solar system coloring page is ideal for making a garland you can showcase throughout your house or classroom. Have a ton of colored pencils and markers on hand so that children may color their way out of tension!

23. Make Some Solar System Slime

Slime is a kid’s favorite, but be ready for a day full of mess.! A fascinating (but messy) way to explore space is with clay planets and solar system slime.

24. Make Marshmallow Constellations

Encourage your pupils to make constellations out of marshmallows and toothpicks by getting some books and other materials on constellations. Since you are aware that kids love to munch, make sure to have lots of additional marshmallows on hand.

25. Do Some Stargazing

You can finish this assignment while leaving for the evening or while working from home. A component of the Museum of Natural History website is devoted to teaching young people about astronomy.

26. Explore NASA’s Website

The NASA website is quite good and contains a ton of materials for learning about space and the solar system.

27 Make Planets from Coffee Filters

Students should color the coffee filters with markers after placing paper plates underneath them to contain any spills. After coloring them, mist water over them to create a watercolor-like finish. Cut them to size, then place them on display throughout the room.

28 Line the Planets up

This easy activity shows kids how far away from the sun each planet is individual. Construction paper, glue, and markers are all you need.

29 Fashion Planets from Yarn and Paper-Mâché

These yarn planets will be worth the time it takes to accomplish this project, which will take a few days. Once finished, hang them from the ceiling of your classroom using command strips and string.

30 Pass out Solar System Bookmarks and Fact Cards

Use printable solar system fact cards as writing prompts for school projects or to have children question each other. The bookmarks are a fantastic method to help students remember what they read.

31 Make a Styrofoam Planet Model

A collection of solar system projects is incomplete without the trusty Styrofoam ball model! Get to work by gathering some Styrofoam, paint, and skewers.

32 Play a Game with a Fidget Spinner

Place the fidget spinner in the center after printing this free game board. Let your kids play a game to see how quickly they can identify the different components of the solar system.

33 Map out the Solar System Outside

We adore how this project includes math as well—to get an exact comparison, you must measure the planets. We also appreciate that all you need is some room and chalk.

Conclusion

Engaging in solar system projects opens up learning opportunities for kids. Through hands-on activities, they can explore the planets, moons, stars, and other celestial bodies that make up our solar system.

These 33 project ideas combine education, creativity, and fun, allowing children to embark on a journey through space and ignite their curiosity about the wonders of the cosmos.

So, gather your materials, put on your spacesuit, and let your imagination soar as you embark on these out-of-this-world solar system projects!

FAQ On Solar System Project Ideas for Kids

What is a solar system project?

A solar system project is an educational activity where children create models, presentations, or artwork that represents the planets, moons, and other celestial bodies in our solar system. It allows kids to learn about the planets, their characteristics, and their relative positions within the solar system.

Why is learning about the solar system important for kids?

Learning about the solar system is important for kids because it helps them understand the vastness of the universe, the Earth’s place in it, and the basic concepts of astronomy. It promotes scientific curiosity, expands their knowledge of space, and encourages critical thinking.

What are some creative ways to make a model of the solar system?

Some creative ways to make a model of the solar system include using various materials like Styrofoam balls, paper mache, balloons, or even edible items like fruits. You can also incorporate LED lights, paint, and other decorative elements to make it visually appealing.

How can I make a 3D model of the solar system?

To make a 3D model of the solar system, you can use different-sized balls or objects to represent each planet. Paint or color them to resemble the planets, and then use string, wire, or wooden skewers to position them at varying distances from a central point to represent their orbits.

What materials can I use to create a solar system project?

You can use materials like Styrofoam balls, colored paper, paints, cardboard, craft foam, modeling clay, wire, strings, markers, glitter, and various craft supplies. Get creative and feel free to use recycled materials or items you already have at home.