Solar System Projects for Kids: Activities and Lesson Plans for 2025

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Looking for solar system projects for kids? We have all the resources you could ever need in this complete guide!

It’s easy to forget that the Earth isn’t the only thing out there. Especially if it’s never taught to you! That’s why you, as a homeschooling parent, need to teach your little ones about the solar system. Luckily, we’ve got all the resources you could possibly need with these fun solar system projects for kids.

Space and the solar system are incredibly fascinating no matter how old you are. Kids from PreK through high school can enjoy these hands-on solar system projects. You can even enjoy these projects as an entire family, if you so choose! Tons of fun for everyone.

From solar system crafts to edible projects, we have a ton of great solar system project ideas we’re excited to share with you!

Use this collection of ideas in your studies about outer space. They are great as stand-alone ideas or in conjunction with a solar system unit study.

Kids Solar System Lesson Plan Ideas

Before we get on to the decidedly more fun stuff, we need to take a look at the basic lesson plans that you can use for kids’ solar system homeschooling units. We’ll just dive straight in so we can get to the really interesting solar system projects for kids.

#1 Explore Outer Space

To start the solar system unit, you should just explore space. This should be a very basic overview. Avoid touching on specific details. You can even venture outside our solar system if you feel like it (and you think that would benefit your kiddies).

Your kids can do this by visiting a conservatory, or by going star gazing in the backyard or wilderness somewhere. For an extra boost, include some binoculars or even a telescope in your adventures!

#2 Enjoy a Solar System Project or Kit

A solar system lesson is the perfect time to dive into a solar system project or kit!

Here are some of our favorite solar system projects for kids:

• Planetarium Model Kit
• Magic School Bus Space Science Kit
• Giant Magnetic Solar System

#3 The International Space Station

Here, you can start to think about the life of astronauts and the history of space stations. If you fancy it, try looking at the effects of space on the astronaut’s bodies.

If you don’t live close to the international space station, see if there is another option near you. Or you can visit the space station virtually.

#4 Let’s Look at The Planets

Now is the time to start looking at each planet in detail. There are a couple of songs in the section below that can help all the facts stick in your children’s minds.

In short the planets in our solar system are:

• Mercury
• Venus
• Earth
• Mars
• Jupiter
• Saturn
• Uranus
• Neptune

Pluto used to be considered a planet but nowadays it is merely considered a dwarf planet.

#5 Sun Appreciation

Once they understand the above, you can begin to discuss the sun’s relationship with Earth. Make sure to explain how we couldn’t survive without it. 

Solar System Projects for Kids

Ideally, your lesson plans should include some solar system projects for kids to really get stuck into. After all, there’s nothing like hands-on learning, right?

Check out these exciting solar system project ideas to incorporate into your curriculum:

#1 Solar System Snack

Who doesn’t love working with food? Sometimes the best projects are completely edible. So the first solar system project idea is an edible display of each planet.

Don’t worry, they won’t be bouncing off the walls since it’s a fruit base!

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Red grape for Mercury
• Celery for Venus
• Strawberry for Mars
• Kiwi for Earth
• Pepperoni for Jupiter
• String cheese slice for Uranus
• Ham for Neptune
• Cheddar cheese for Saturn
• Corn for Pluto (if you want to include this “planet”)
• Orange slice for the sun

Once you have all the foods compiled, give one to each of your children. Ask them to repeat the names of the planets and then place them on a plate in the right order. Of course, they get to eat it after that!

#2 Styrofoam Planets

Go to the store and pick out different sized styrofoam balls. Then, stick them onto cocktail sticks (wooden skewers). After that, your children can work together to paint the planets in correspondence with the solar system. Finally, you can have your kids put their planets in order, either in a board or on another giant piece of styrofoam

You could also hang your planets from the ceiling of a hanger if you prefer.

Alternatively, if you would rather stick your planet balls to poster board instead of in skewers, cut each styrofoam ball in half and then it’ll stick nicely to your poster board. Just make sure you paint your balls before sticking them to the board. Or if you don’t want to make your solar system model out of styrofoam, you can buy a simple and inexpensive kit from Home Science Tools.

#3 Shaggy Yarn Planets

Making planets out of yarn is super fun, and is actually an easy solar system science project. I’ve embedded a video tutorial below that’s pretty easy to follow. All you need is a pair of scissors, two hands, and some yarn for every planet (and sun) you plan on making.

Once your children have finished, you can all hang them up in the right order.

#4 Chalk Pavement Planets

Head outside to the driveway or sidewalk with your colored chalks and go crazy! You and your children will have loads of fun drawing and coloring on the pavement or driveway. Make sure they are adhering to the correct order while playing.

#5 DIY Planet Mobile

Create a mobile featuring the planets of the solar system. Use craft materials like foam balls, paint, and string to make each planet and hang them in the correct order from a sturdy structure.

#6 Space-Themed Artwork

Encourage kids to unleash their creativity by creating space-themed artwork. They can use various mediums like paint, pastels, or colored pencils to depict the planets, stars, and galaxies.

#7 Solar System Model with Recycled Materials

Challenge children to construct a solar system model using recycled materials. They can repurpose items like bottle caps, cardboard, and plastic containers to represent the planets and other celestial objects.

#8 Solar System Diorama

Head outside to the driveway or sidewalk with your colored chalks and go crazy! You and your children will have loads of fun drawing and coloring on the pavement or driveway. Make sure they are adhering to the correct order while playing.

#9 Design a Space Mission

Have kids create a 3D diorama showcasing the solar system. They can use a shoebox or similar container as the base and design and arrange the planets, the Sun, and other elements to create a realistic representation of the solar system.

#10 Solar System Pizza

Turn pizza into a delicious and educational edible solar system activity. Use a large pizza crust as the base, and arrange various toppings to represent the planets. For example, you can use different sizes and colors of sliced vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes for Mars, green bell pepper rings for Saturn’s rings, and black olives for Mercury.

Let the kids get creative with the toppings and arrange them in the correct order according to the solar system. Once the pizza is baked, they can enjoy a tasty treat while learning about the planets. And kids love edible science experiments!

#11 More Hands On Solar System Science Project Kits

If you’re looking for more hands-on solar system kits, here are some more great ideas!

• Planetarium Model Kit
• Magic School Bus Space Science Kit
• Giant Magnetic Solar System

Great Kids Solar System Science Resources

When teaching your children about the solar system, it’s important to have an arsenal of fantastic resources to supplement your homeschool lesson plan. There are plenty of brilliant songs and worksheets available (thank you internet) but these are the best few.

Let’s take a look at them, shall we?

#1 Kids Solar System Song – The Planet Song

If you’re looking for a song that teaches kids about the solar system, check out The Planet Song. Your kids won’t be able to get enough of this catchy yet educational tune!

Each planet will sing about themselves in turn so you and your children can learn a bunch about our huge solar system. You will need to play it multiple times for them to start remembering the words but that’s half of the fun!

#2 The Solar System Storybooks

For older kids, the song might be a bit repetitive for them. So, you might want to think about supplementing it with some physical solar system books. Here are a few suggestions.

#3 The Family of The Sun Song

Yep, we love a good sing-along here. This Family of the Sun Song is another good solar system song for kids that teaches and entertains as the same time. This particular song is for older kids but can be enjoyed and utilized with younger ones too. You could even use this as an opportunity to have your older kids teach their younger siblings a little about the solar system.

#4 Space Themed Coloring Pages and Worksheets

As you’re nearing the end of your solar system studies, it’s a good idea to end on a relaxing note. Coloring is a fantastic way to do this. Whether you choose to color space stations, astronauts, planets, constellations, or the entire solar system, your kids are bound too have fun while finishing off their learning.

If you’re looking for a free collection of space coloring pages and worksheets, I’ve got some printable space freebies here for you to download and enjoy.

Inside my free Solar System Mini Activity Packet you will find:

• A page for naming and coloring in the planets
• A fun astronaut maze your kids can color
• A planet match up activity
• A rocket ship color by number activity
• An activity page where your kids can design their very own planet
• A planet name scramble for unscrambling the names of the planets in our solar system
• A quick (and cute) writing prompt about meeting an alien

This mini activity packet is geared towards preschoolers and lower elementary-aged students. Download your Solar System Mini Activity Packet here.

These printables are exclusive to VIP subscribers so join the mailing list to get access.

#5 – Solar System Unit Study

If you want to take your studies of the solar system beyond these fun project ideas, why not utilize a solar system unit study? I have a fantastic one available in our shop that is perfect for students ages 8-14.

Inside, you will find more than 35 pages worth of research, lessons, enrichment questions, academic concepts, activities, resources, and more. This unit study saves you hours upon hours of research and prep time so all you need to do is enjoy your unit! It takes a strictly neutral perspective so is safe for Christian and secular students.

Benefits of Solar System Science Projects for Kids

So why bother with solar system science projects?

Engaging in solar system science projects offers numerous benefits for children, fostering their curiosity, scientific understanding, and critical thinking skills.

Here are some key advantages of incorporating these solar system science project ideas into kids’ learning:

1. Hands-On Learning: Solar system projects provide a hands-on learning experience, allowing children to actively explore and manipulate materials. This hands-on approach enhances their understanding of abstract concepts by making them tangible and relatable. It can even help with fine motor skills for younger kids too.
2. Conceptual Understanding: These solar system project ideas can enable children to develop a deeper conceptual understanding of astronomical phenomena. By actively building models, conducting experiments, and observing celestial objects, kids can grasp the scale, size, and relationships between planets, moons, and the Sun.
3. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: Engaging in a solar system project encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Children must analyze information, make predictions, and develop strategies to complete the projects successfully. This cultivates their ability to think critically and find innovative solutions to challenges.
4. Scientific Inquiry: Solar system science projects encourage children to ask questions, form hypotheses, and conduct experiments to find answers. This scientific inquiry promotes a growth mindset, as children learn to explore, investigate, and draw conclusions based on evidence and observations.
5. Multidisciplinary Learning: Solar system science projects integrate multiple disciplines, including astronomy, physics, engineering, and even art. Children can develop a broad range of skills and knowledge as they engage in designing models, conducting research, creating visual representations, and communicating their findings.
6. Creativity and Imagination: Solar system science projects provide opportunities for creativity and imagination. Children can design their own models, create artwork, or develop unique ways to present their projects. This fosters their imaginative thinking and encourages them to explore different possibilities.
7. Teamwork and Collaboration: These projects can be done collaboratively, promoting teamwork and collaboration. Working together on a project allows children to exchange ideas, share responsibilities, and learn from one another. This collaborative aspect enhances their communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team.
8. Long-Term Interest in Science: Engaging in solar system science projects at a young age can spark a long-term interest in science and astronomy. By creating positive and memorable experiences, these projects may inspire children to pursue further studies or careers in related fields.

Incorporating solar system science projects into kids’ learning provides a fun, interactive, and effective way to explore the wonders of the solar system.

By promoting critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and a deeper understanding of astronomical concepts, these projects help children develop essential skills and cultivate a lifelong curiosity about the universe around them.

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