When children begin to learn about the concept of the solar system, understanding the galaxy and the fact that planets orbit the sun, can be a difficult and overwhelming idea to grasp at first. However, concepts can be developed and their understanding can be boosted by helping them build a model of the solar system. The homework stated that Lil p needed to make a Solar system mobile. Sometimes these home projects are more for the parents than for the kid to do. I would have been happier making a real working model of the solar system but they wanted something cute. and Lil p LOVESS cute.

Contents show

DIY Solar System Mobile Model Tutorial for Kids

Supplies required:

1 large thermocol ball for the sun
8 planet thermocol balls in varying sizes.
Poster colours – Red, Yellow, Blue , Green, black
Pipe cleaners for the sun & placeholders for the other planets.
Glitter
Glue,
Wool
Star stickers
scissors
Cardboard
Bells

How to make the Solar System Mobile Model:

1. We stopped at our favorite store Itsy Bitsy & picked up the assorted thermocol ball pack. We bought a mix pack & a medium size pack of 4.

2. Start by taking out your paints and painting each planet – Mercury is silver , Venus is yellow, Earth is blue & green, Mars is red, Jupiter is pink, Saturn is yellow-brown-orange with pipecleaner rings, while Uranus and Neptune are grey-blue.

3. We then made a hole through each planet & passed a pipecleaner through it. One end we twisted 2 bells & the other end we tied a woolen thread. For the sun we added extra pipe cleaners for the rays. If you like, add some glitter to the planets.

4. Finally we tied them all together to form a mobile. Here is a short video we took of the craft. When we started, I really did not think Lil p could make something like this on her own or it would interest her. But surprisingly we were both at it for nearly 3 hours (including drying time). She loved making it. So did I. The colours were added by her. Once we tied the planets to the cardboard LiL P suggested that we paint the top black to represent space & then we added other stars & planets to represent other galaxies.

What was the last project you made with your child for school? What are your thoughts about the school projects that your child gets home? Tedious? Painful? or happy to do it? Share your thoughts with us.