Solar System Model

One of the most popular homework projects that every school dishes out at some point is the solar system model. Now your solar system model can be difficult or very easy, depending on how much effort you choose to put into it. Some of the kids solar system projects I've seen are so great that it looks like their parents work in the NASA and stole the thing from there. But often, the projects are not expected to be spectacular and are a basic second or third grade science or craft homework stuff. So, if you're running late on the project and can find any simple solar system project ideas for kids, here's some help for you to make a solar system model for kids. This solar system model is both easy and looks pretty good as well!

Solar System Model for Kids

Now with Pluto firmly out of the picture, you have one less planet to make than we had to when we were young. But of course, if you do believe that our world is being unduly hard on poor Pluto and moreover your syllabus specifically mentions that you need to include it in the solar system, there is no point in crossing swords with your tutor about it. So, here's the stuff you'll need to make the solar system model.

Supplies to make Solar System Model

    * Big round pieces of cardboard up to 1.5 ft diameter.
    * Construction Paper
    * Tape
    * Scissors
    * String
    * Pencils and Markers
    * Compass

Instructions

    * The first step is to draw circles on the piece of cardboard. With eight planets, you will need 8 circles (9, if you include Pluto) which represent their orbits. The first four orbits will be closer to the center, and then leave a larger gap between the fourth and fifth orbit because there is the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. The next 4 orbits will have large distances between them because they are bigger planets.
    * Once you make the orbits, punch one small hole in each orbit. Make sure that the holes are not in line. You will suspend your planets from these holes and hence if all the planets come on one side, it will look terrible.
    * Now take the construction paper and cut circles of different sizes. If you know all about the planets in the solar system, you will see that Jupiter is the biggest one, followed by Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Earth, Venus, Mars and Mercury (and Pluto). In the center, you will hang the Sun.
    * With the markers, color the planets of the solar system model differently. Jupiter is often a reddish-brown, Saturn is green and has rings of different shades of green, Uranus is teal, Neptune is blueish, Mars is red, Venus is olive green, Mercury is orange, Pluto is gray and our beloved Earth is blue and green, while the Sun will be yellow.
    * Now bring out the tape, scissors and string. Cut the strings into vaguely equal sizes. Tape one end of the string to the planet and the other end of the string to the cardboard. Start from the center towards the ends. You know the order: Sun, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune (and Pluto). And your solar system model is ready!

So this was a simple solar system model which will take you about an hour to make. Like I said, the solar system model is a simple bit of craft and is very easy to make. It is also a lot of fun considering that it combines science and art!

Facts about the Solar System

All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them. ~ Galileo Galilei

I'm always mesmerized by the the abstruseness of this ever expanding Universe! It's like a labyrinth of celestial bodies, alluring human beings to go deeper into its infinite world! From the beauty of twinkling stars, to the super power of the Sun and to the ethereal beauty of the moon, our solar system is an enigma, one that we always try to explore, to the best of our technological abilities. But the more we go deep into it, the farther and farther the horizon seems to be. With a gratitude and a salute to the master creator (I don't know who he is, but if he is there, he is a phenomenal architect), this write up attempts to present before you some astonishing, wonderful and eye-popping facts about the solar system. I bet you'll be awestruck after reading the solar system facts information.

Basic Facts about the Solar System
There are 8 planets in the solar system that revolve around the Sun. These are Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. Here are some facts about the solar system and the planets for you.

    * The Sun is almost 4.6 billion years old and its diameter is 1.4 million kilometers.
    * The Sun is, in fact, an average-sized middle-aged star that was formed by a huge cloud of dust and gases.
    * The temperature at the core of the sun is 15 million kelvins and it spins on its axis from east to west. Also look at these interesting facts about the sun.
    * It takes around eight minutes for the light to reach the Earth from the Sun. The Earth receives only one billionth of the total energy that the sun produces.
    * Mercury, the smallest planet, is 58 million kilometers away from the Sun. Its diameter is 4,880 kilometers.
    * It rotates on its axis in 59 Earth days and revolves around the Sun in 88 Earth days.
    * Due to its proximity to the Sun, Mercury has huge variations from as high as 870° F to as low as -300° F. Its crust is believed to be rocky, thin and is covered with craters, and its core is thick and metallic.
    * Venus, the brightest planet, is 67 million miles away from the Sun with a diameter of 7,521 miles.
    * It rotates in 243 Earth days and revolves around the Sun in 225 Earth days. Its surface temperature is as high as 900° F and it is covered with craters, mountains, lava plains, volcanoes, etc.
    * Earth, the blue planet has a diameter of 7,926 miles and is 93 million miles away from the Sun.
    * It spins on its axis in 23 hours and 56 minutes, and revolves around the Sun in 365¼ days.
    * The average surface temperature is around 60° F and it is covered mostly with salt water in the form of oceans.
    * Mars, the red planet, is 142 million miles away from the Sun and has a diameter of 4,212 miles.
    * It rotates on its axis in 24 hours and 37 minutes and takes 687 Earth days to revolve on its orbit.
    * Its temperature ranges between -190° F to 90° F. The surface has canyons, volcanoes, dry ice and a lot of rust (iron oxide) that gives it the red color. Also go through these interesting facts about Mars.
    * Jupiter, which is the biggest planet in the solar system, has a diameter of 89,000 miles and is 483 million miles away from the Sun.
    * It takes 12 Earth years to go round the Sun but only 10 Earth hours to spin on its own axis.
    * Jupiter has a gaseous surface which becomes denser with depth, and the temperature of its uppermost cloud is -244° F. Also go through these interesting Jupiter facts.
    * Saturn is the second largest planet in the system with a diameter of 74,900 miles and is around 888 million miles away from Sun.
    * It spins on its axis in 11 Earth hours and takes 29.4 Earth years to orbit the Sun.
    * It does not have a solid surface and the average temperature is around -300° F.
    * Uranus is the third largest planet in the solar system with 31,800 miles diameter and is 1.8 billion miles away from the Sun. Here are some more Uranus facts.
    * It orbits around the Sun in 84 Earth years and rotates on its own axis in 17 hours.
    * Its average temperature is around -350° F which makes it very cold and it too, does not have a solid surface.
    * Neptune is almost as large as Uranus with a diameter of 31,000 miles and is 2.8 billion miles away from the Sun. Here are some more interesting facts about Neptune.
    * It spins on the axis in 16 Earth hours but takes 165 Earth years to orbit the Sun.
    * The gaseous surface of Neptune which makes it appear blue, has a temperature of -370° F.

Interesting Facts about the Solar System
Now we move on to some interesting facts about the solar system.

    * There are 5 Dwarf planets in our Solar system namely, Ceres, Pluto, Haumea, Makemake, and Eris. Out of these we only know enough about Ceres and Pluto.
    * There are 168 moons that orbit around the 8 planets of our solar system where the numbers are Earth(1), Mars(2), Jupiter(63), Saturn(62), Uranus(27), Neptune(13).
    * 6 moons orbit the dwarf planets where each have - Pluto(3), Haumea(2), Eris(1).
    * There is an asteroid belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter and the number of asteroids discovered till date are 537,161.
    * There are around 3976 known comets in our solar system and another estimated 1,000,000,000 comets held by the Sun's gravity.
    * Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune all have rings but Saturn's rings are the most prominent and Neptune's rings are in the shape of an arc.
    * All the planets spin on their axis like a top except for Uranus that spins like a barrel on its side.
    * Venus spins in the opposite direction as that of the earth.
    * The Kuiper belt is present beyond the orbit of Neptune and consists of the leftovers of the solar system formation which includes mostly frozen methane, ammonia and water collectively termed as 'ices'.
    * It's interesting to know how exactly did the solar system come into existence. Find that out in this article on how was the solar system formed.

Fun Facts about the Solar System
Here are some fun solar system facts, that would surely interest you.

    * 99.86% mass of the solar system is that of the Sun.
    * Saturn, if put in water, would float due to low density.
    * The nearest star to the Sun is the Proxima Centauri which is still 4.2 light years away.
    * Mars has the highest volcano 'Olympus Mons' (it is 14 miles above the surface) and the largest canyon 'Valles Marineris' (1300 miles long, 300 miles wide and 5 miles deep) in the solar system.
    * The 'Great Comet' seen in 1843 has the longest tail that stretched over 800 million kilometers which is almost the distance between Earth and Jupiter.
    * Some pieces of Mars are found on Earth which are present in the form of rocks.
    * Pluto takes 248 Earth years to complete one round of the Sun. Know more about this dwarf planet in Pluto facts.
    * Jupiter's moon 'Io' is known as the 'pizza moon' because the sulfur emitted from its volcanic activities makes its surface resemble a pepperoni pizza.
    * Asteroid 1950 DA has an orbit that intersects Earth's orbit and hence, it is considered to be the greatest threat.
    * Saturn's moon Titan is the only moon that has an atmosphere thicker than Earth.
    * It would be a bad idea to try to land on the giant planets of our solar system as there is nothing to land on. They are all gaseous and have molten liquid core that is hot.
    * We only see one side of the Moon at any given time because it takes almost the same time to rotate on its axis and revolve around the Sun.
    * It is believed that Uranus had a collision with another big object that resulted in its side tilt. Due to this it has 21 years of nighttime and daytime in winter and summer respectively, and 42 years of day and night in the spring and fall at its north pole.
    * Pluto has 1,000 times dimmer sunlight as compared to Earth.
    * Ceres makes for almost ¼ of the mass of main asteroid belt and even some asteroids have moons like asteroid 'Ida'.
    * It would take almost 800 years to reach Pluto and 26 years to reach the Sun in a commercial airplane. Hence, the speed of a spaceship is 30 times more than that of the fastest jet plane.
    * Uranus and Neptune appear bluish because the red light of the visible spectrum is absorbed by the methane present in their atmosphere and blue is reflected.
    * Jupiter gives off more energy than it absorbs from the Sun.
    * A day on Venus is longer than a year; it orbits the Sun faster than it rotates on its axis.

Phew! So, these were just some of the facts about the Solar System. I am saying this because there is still a plethora of information that we haven't unveiled about the universe in general, like is there life on other planets, and our solar system in particular. One of the reasons is that our universe is still expanding. There is so much we have explored and still so much more to learn and understand, and for us mere mortals to bow to the Creator and his master plan.

Solar System Projects

Solar system projects can be immense fun, and a great way of bringing the knowledge of the universe out through this effectual learning tool. Kids can take an avid interest in the universe and the elements it holds, and truly appreciate it for its magnitude and majesty. These projects given here can really let the class have a good time doing something both fun and educational. You'll find here one of a kind kids solar system projects, to work on for science fair projects as well.

Solar System Projects for Middle School

We look here into simple ways of turning readily available craft material, into great and easy solar system projects. Given here are two incredibly simple ways to allow middle school students start off with project making. First off we start with the solar system model, which I know is a common idea. Although here, I'm going to give you a creative twist to make it even more fun to do.

Unique Solar System Model

What You'll Need

    * Plaster of Paris (if you'd like to try making it for the class, see how to make plaster of Paris at home)
    * Kitchen roll paper
    * Water
    * 9 Balloons (use biodegradable balloons, and make sure when blown, they take on a round shape, not oval)
    * Acrylic paint
    * Newspaper
    * One thick bristled paint brush
    * Scissors
    * Pin
    * One cutout of a cardboard ring (to affix around Saturn)
    * Glitter
    * Masking tape
    * 9 small thin cardboard strips
    * 9 thick woolen strings
    * One large round cardboard cutout (circle)

Instructions

Looking at a solar system chart, roughly gage the size of each planet, and blow a balloon to match that proportion. After you've blown up nine odd sizes of balloons, keep them aside and get on with your plaster of Paris mixture. Mix one part POP and one part water, depending on how much you'll need. Once that is done, take pieces of newspaper, and stick it on the balloon using the masking tape, until the whole balloon is roughly taped down with it (let the knotted end stick out). Then hold kitchen roll paper against the balloon, and using the paste, dab on the mixture in a thin coating using the brush. Keep sticking kitchen roll paper using the POP mixture, until the whole balloon is covered with an even layer of the mix. Keep it aside to dry, and repeat this for all the other balloons. Once the balloons have dried up, take a pin and pop the balloon, from the knotted end. Pull it out, and there you have it – 9 hardened balloons. Then let the kids paint the outside of these molds with the acrylic paint, using the help of colored diagrams. On Saturn, you can affix the ring around it, and tape the insides of the cardboard to the mold, and repeat the same process of putting newspaper and the mix around it, so that it sets in place around the balloon. Apply a layer of glue to the Saturn ring, and dust on some glitter, for a shimmery effect. Once you have your nine planets all dried up, and colorfully painted, use the 9 thin strips of cardboard, and glue then at the end and stick them together, to make 9 rings. Tape these on the top of each planet, and cut different string lengths, tying them to the rings. Using the large cardboard circle, tape up the planets properly at different heights, so that the balloons don't clash. There you have it, your unique solar system model. This can be done at home as well by the students, if given time to do so as a collective project for assigned groups.

Rocket Science

What You'll Need

    * Cardboard cut out of about two feet
    * POP mix
    * Newspaper
    * Four medium sized right angled cardboard cut outs
    * Scissors
    * Masking tape
    * Conical birthday hats
    * Newspaper
    * Kitchen roll paper
    * Acrylic paint
    * One large bristled paint brush

Instructions

Take the two feet cardboard cut out, and roll it up, gluing the ends together to form a cylindrical structure. Make sure the cardboard is thin to make it easier to glue and securely tape together. Then using the birthday hat, place it on top of the rocket, and glue/tape it, so that it is roughly secure. Stick the right angeled triangle cutouts, one of each side, at the bottom, around the circumference. Now you have a rough rocket in front of you. Then take newspaper and tape it roughly to the whole rocket, covering every bare inch of cardboard. Using the kitchen roll paper, plaster on using a thin layer of POP mix, and cover the entire thing likewise. After it has dried, paint it however you like, making it as artsy as possible. That's all there is to it; you can make it as elaborate as you want, adding elements to the rocket, before applying the POP mix. Experimentations are always welcome in a classroom. Also look into solar system project ideas for kids, for added ideas.

Solar Systems Projects for Preschoolers

These little boys and girls, are just starting out on discovering what the universe is, and learning about how different things take place. They'll be curious and inquisitive about many aspects, and your assistance in helping them, is much needed. Let's look into these easy-to-make solar system projects.

Glittered Galaxy

What You'll Need

    * Black chart paper
    * Galaxy picture for reference (Milky Way)
    * Bronze/gold/silver glitter glues
    * Tiny stars of different colors
    * Pencil and rubber

Instructions

First have your students draw out the milky way using their pencils, to later allow them to glue on the glitter, following the stenciled drawing for reference. Looking at the Milky Way drawing, let them mimic its curves, and swirling star paths. Then have them follow the pattern, using the bronze/gold/silver glitter, and have them nestle in the tiny stars. It'll give it that nice cavalcade effect to the galaxy drawing, making it pop. Leave it aside to dry, and once it sets, its all ready to go up on display. Find out more for those who are older, on elementary school science projects.

Telescopic Art

What You'll Need

    * Cardboard roll from old kitchen roll
    * Kitchen roll paper
    * Rubber band
    * Pencil
    * Glow in the dark stickers

Instructions

Using the kitchen roll paper, first let students paint it nice and black on both sides. After it dries, have them hold it flat against one opening of the cardboard kitchen roll, and hold it down using the rubber band. Punch holes through the top of the kitchen roll paper; not too large though. Then let kids randomly place the glow in the dark stickers all over the cardboard kitchen roll, after it's been painted black. Tell your kids to use it in the night and record their observations, and get those notes to class the following day.

Solar system projects are an enjoyable activity for students of all age groups. Check these science fair projects for 6th graders too, for more. It's an interactive session of letting students help each other out, as well as allowing them to learn new things as they progress. Science is a favorite subject, especially when covering the universe's different factual information. Have fun!

Solar System Projects for Kids

Has your kid always showed an interest in the different facts about the solar system? Then why not give this interest impetus by working together on a solar system project. Choosing one of the many options for solar system projects for kids for a science fair will keep his interest alive and also help him learn more about the different celestial bodies and planets in the solar system.

Ideas for Solar System Projects for Kids

When you think of solar system project ideas for kids, the first image that crops into your mind is that of a model of the solar system. While these are definitely the best options for a science fair project on solar systems, they are also generally, the most common ones. There are a multitude of other options for easy solar system projects for kids that you can use to teach them about the different aspects of the solar system and the galaxy.

You could opt to concentrate on the constellations in the solar system for your project. If you do decide on this option for solar system projects for kids, you will need to help the child recreate the constellations on a poster board after observation of the sky on a clear night. In order to identify the constellations correctly, he will need a sky map. Get him to first recreate his observations on a poster board and then duplicate this with more clarity on another board for the science fair. If your child has shown a deep interest in astronomy, and celestial bodies, then you could also opt to recreate the different phases of the Moon. Before you move on to such a project ensure that your child understands the solar system as a whole. This is one those solar system projects for kids that will need you to observe the Moon in all its phases. This will need time. If you do not have time on your hand, then you could try and explain the phenomenon to your kid with the help of a lamp that has had its lampshade removed. Use a small ball to represent the moon and let your child's head represent planet Earth. Let the ball slowly revolve around Earth and ask your child to note down the parts which are reflecting light. Try and explain to your child, the different phases of the Moon. For the science fair project, you can create a working model, using a lamp, a ball to represent Moon, and another bigger ball to represent Earth.

Other solar system projects for kids include helping them learn how to scale down actual measurements to distances that they can easily understand. You could also decide to study the topography of other planets in the solar system. Planets like Mars and Venus which have been studied by astronomers and scientists are your best bet. You could also create models to understand the surface geography of Earth's natural satellite, Moon. One of the solar system science fair projects that you could suggest could be to study the densities of different planets and how it affects their mass. This is one of the best solar system projects for middle school students.

How to Make Solar System Projects for Kids

So you now know what are the different options that you can opt for in case you want to deviate from the oft trodden path of making a solar system model. But the fact remains that studying the solar system is always the most amount of fun if you make a model of the sun and the planets in their axis. Given below are the instructions that you will need in order to make a model of the solar system. In order to make this model you will need foam balls in different sizes, paints (acrylic), tin pie plate, wire, glue, and cardboard. This is one of the kids solar system projects that needs minimal supervision.

    * Refer to the image of the solar system, and then designate each ball to one planet depending on their size.
    * The next step is to paint the foam balls in different colors, depending on the planet/ celestial body they represent. Therefore, Mars would be painted red and Earth would be painted blue and green.
    * The next step would be to place the planets in order, according to their distance from the Sun.
    * Next you will need to create a ring for Saturn. Use the cardboard to cut out a ring with a diameter equal to the diameter of the foam ball that represents Saturn.
    * Now take the ring and slide the foam ball representing Saturn inside it. Stick the ring to the planet around the center. Paint the ring in a color that resembles the color of the actual Saturn ring.
    * Now take the wire and cut it into nine parts - one for each of the planets and one for the Sun.
    * Thread the pieces of wire through the foam balls. Once you thread it, bend the end of the wire so that it does not slip out.
    * The top portion of the wire needs to be spiraled which can be done using a pencil. First wrap the wire around the pencil and then remove it create spirals.
    * Now comes the part of attaching the planets and the sun to the tin pie plate. For this you will need to use a Swiss army knife to create holes through which the wires can be suspended.
    * Start from the middle of the tin pie plate suspending the Sun first, so that you can get your dimensions and distances right.
    * Once you have suspended all the planets, you have created your solar system model. Now just paint a background for it on a chart paper and hang it front of this background.

This is the easiest of all solar system projects for kids. It can be made easily with hardly any help. It is also possible to create 3D solar system projects for kids by using the various kits that are available in the market. These kits which are available for all ages, from solar system projects for preschoolers to project boxes for middle school students, only need you to assemble the parts given to create a solar system model. Solar system projects for kids are a great method of introducing children to the wonders of the universe and the basic concepts of astronomy.