This mini solar system activity is such a fun hand-on idea for multiple ages. Also, look at my Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study for Multiple Ages for more great ideas.
Especially if you have hands-on learners and minimal space in your home this is the perfect sized activity.
Besides this mini solar system sensory bottles activity is a fun and educational project that combines art, science, and sensory play.
Anyone fascinated by space will love how the bottles visually represent the planets, moon, stars and sun.
And besides learning facts about the planets, you can expand this hands-on activity.
For example, have your child put the planets in order from the sun.
Also, you can have your child put them in order from the smallest to biggest.
And sort the planets by which ones have fewer moons and which one has less moons.
BOOKS ABOUT ASTRONOMY FOR KIDS
Also, look at some of these books about space, the planets and our solar system.
11 Astronomy Resources & Books
Add one or two books to your unit study or use one as a spine for studying about space.
From the burning surface of Venus to the freezing darkness of Neptune, Gail Gibbons takes children on a tour of our planetary neighbors—which are very different from each other in size, shape, orbit, and even weather.
With her bestsellers Longitude and Galileo's Daughter, Dava Sobel introduced readers to her rare gift for weaving complex scientific concepts into a compelling narrative. Now Sobel brings her full talents to bear on what is perhaps her most ambitious topic to date-the planets of our solar system. Sobel explores the origins and oddities of the planets through the lens of popular culture, from astrology, mythology, and science fiction to art, music, poetry, biography, and history. Written in her characteristically graceful prose, The Planets is a stunningly original celebration of our solar system and offers a distinctive view of our place in the universe.
On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong stepped on the moon and, to an audience of over 450 million people, proclaimed his step a "giant leap for mankind."
Containing star charts, a guide to the constellations, and details about seasons and the movement of the objects we see in the sky, this classic book makes H. A. Rey’s passion for astronomy evident on every page.
New updates concentrate on the planetary and solar system information in the latter part of the book. Facts and figures for each planet have been revised, and new scientific information has been added, such as Pluto’s reclassification as a dwarf planet.
Our solar system consists of eight planets, as well as numerous moons, comets, asteroids, and meteoroids. For thousands of years, humans believed that Earth was at the center of the Universe, but all of that changed in the 17th century. Astronomers like Nicolaus Copernicus, Galileo Galilei, Johannes Kepler, and Isaac Newton proposed the unthinkable theory that Earth and the other planets actually revolved around the Sun.
Gorgeous. Worth every penny! Signs & Seasons is an introduction to “Classical Astronomy,” the traditional, historical approach to the sky, as had been practiced from ancient times. The biblical basis for astronomy
Space is so much bigger than young minds can fathom and there is always more to learn. The Mysteries of the Universe is a stunning space encyclopedia for young readers to explore, with reference pages packed with fascinating information, little learners will be captivated as they journey through the vastness of the Universe.
Like a Facebook for the universe, Astronomy gives every important celestial body and concept its own page, where readers can learn its behaviors, likes, and dislikes up close and personal. From the flashy stars to the shadowy and strange objects that hang out like loners at the edges of the universe, no player goes unnoticed.
The Stargazers Guide to the Night Sky offers everything you need to explore the remarkable beauty of the stars, moon, and planets. Dr. Jason Lisle, a research scientist with a masters and Ph.D. in astrophysics provides a very thorough, practical and easy to read resource to fuel the curiosity of amateur astronomers ages 10 to 100.
【Planet Toys for Kids】Our wooden solar system puzzle is the PERFECT CHOICE for you and your kids as it is made from natural wood, vivid planet patten with well designed. This preschool learning activities is suitable for 3+ years kids and represents the perfect activity to learn through play!
The Solar System Planetarium set teaches children about the wonders of the solar system. Just assemble, paint and learn.
This set includes planets, stencils, squeeze glow paint pen, rods, string, a fact filled wall chart and 10 sets of Kidz Quiz questions.
Next, look at a few other hands on solar system and space activities.
MORE SOLAR SYSTEM ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
- How to Create A Stunning Night Sky Paper Roll Display
- Galileo Discovery of Jupiter Moons and Fun Hands-On Moon Crater Experiment
- 5 Facts About The Moon Landing and Make Fun Astronaut Ice Cream
- Free Moon Journal For Homeschool Science
- Meteors, Meteorites, Comets and Meteoroids Today And Make a Fun Windsock
- About Astronomy and Space Science Fun Quick Unit Study
- 10 Moon Craft Ideas and Wrapped Crescent Moon Craft For Kids
- How To Make Puffy Paint Planets And Free Notebooking Pages
- Geronimo Stilton Mouse into Space:How to Make an EASY Straw Rocket
- Geronimo Stilton Theme Mouse in Space Fun Puffy Moon Craft (Glow in the Dark)
Then, look at these quick facts about our solar system.
QUICK FACTS ABOUT OUR SOLAR SYSTEM FOR KIDS
Sun – The Sun is a large ball of hot, burning gases, mostly made up of hydrogen and helium. It is the center of our universe.
Mercury – Mercury is the hottest and coldest planet. It is the planet closest to the Sun but can’t trap heat. So during the day it’s super hot and at night it’s freezing cold. It’s also the smallest planet.
Venus – It is similar to earth in size and shape and sometimes called Earth’s twin. It has no moons and rotates backwards.
Earth – The only planet known to have life. It has the perfect balance of air, temperature, and water to sustain. It’s also called the Blue because a large amount of water covers the earth.
FACTS ABOUT THE 8 PLANETS
Mars – Mars is known as the Red Planet because its surface is covered in rusty red colored rocks. Also, Mars has the largest volcano in the solar system. It is the Olympus Mons which three times as high as
Jupiter – Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system. It has many moons – at least 79. It does not have a solid surface like Earth but is gas giant.
Saturn – Saturn is the second largest planet and it is famous for its amazing rings. The rings are made of rock, dust and ice. It too is a gas giant and does not have a solid surface like Earth.
Uranus – Uranus is a giant ice and one cool fact is that it spins on its side unlike the other planets which spin upright.
Neptune – Neptune is the farthest planet from the sun and it is has the fastest winds in the Solar System. It has at least 14 moons.
Moon – Our moon is Earth’s only moon and it is the only natural satellite of Earth. It goes through phases from new to full moon as it orbits earth.
Galaxy – Galaxies can take many shapes. For example, there are spirals and elliptical. Our Solar System is part of the Milky Way Galaxy. And a galaxy is basically a group or cluster of stars, gas and matter that are held together by gravity.
Stars – A star is a giant ball of hot, glowing gases. Our Sun is a star and it is the center of our universe and they come in many different colors.
Finally, look at how to make these mini solar system activity sensory bottles.
MINI SOLAR SYSTEM ACTIVITY SENSORY BOTTLES
Here is a list of supplies:
- (12) 80ml (2.7 oz / ⅓ C) plastic bottle with tight-fitting lids
- Water
- Clear school glue
- Small funnel (optional)
- Glitter *see list below (I know, I know, but it really makes a difference here.)
- Alphabet stickers
Apply stickers to each bottle spelling out:
Sun, Moon, Galaxy, Stars, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
Add water to each bottle, filling them about ¾ of the way.
Fill each bottle to the neck with clear glue, leaving room for the glitter.
Add glitter to each mini sensory bottle until all 12 colors are complete.
Close the top tightly.
Shake and enjoy.
Also, look at this list of colors we went with for the glitter.
- Sun: yellow
- Moon: light and dark gray
- Galaxy: black, purple, and gray
- Stars: gray and star confetti
- Mercury: silver
- Venus: red and orange
- Earth: blue and green
- Mars: red
- Jupiter: brown and gold
- Saturn: yellow and gold
- Uranus: light blue and silver
- Neptune: dark blue and light blue
Leave a Reply