The solar system includes the sun and planets or objects in the sun’s orbit. The vast size of this system is difficult to grasp because it is incredibly large, and until recently we have not had enough technology and resources to explore it very well. The curriculum surrounding the solar system is ever-changing as well. It was just fifteen years ago that Pluto was downgraded and is no longer considered one of the planets mainly due to its size or lack of size rather.
Whether you are a parent looking for educational ways to entertain your kids at home, or a homeschool parent looking for an effective curriculum, check out this page of solar system projects designed by a teacher.
Kids Creativity
Kids are naturally creative. Depending on life experiences, creativity can be stifled as we increase in age. Having regular opportunities to express and release creativity is pertinent to growing and retaining that creativity we are inherently born with. Without proper cognitive conditioning, creativity will fall under the stigma of “if you do not use it you lose it.”
Educational activities like these solar system projects are a great way to flex those creativity muscles. Allowing kids to have creative freedom occasionally is a great way to get them excited about a topic, help them retain what they learn, and not have to pull their teeth to get them engaged in learning something new.
Kids Fascinated by Space
Learning about the solar system is something that most children are naturally curious about. Gazing up at the stars at night sparks a desire to know what all is in the sky, above the clouds, and even what the earth looks like from space. This desire to learn more makes teaching about the solar system a fairly easy task even though the actual content is difficult to grasp and is very scientific.
The potential of aliens or life on other planets, and even the mystery of all the different particles in space and the things that fall from the sky like meteors or a shooting star. There is something about learning how small we and our planet are in the grand scheme of the big picture that sparks a need to know more.
Create your own Planet
One of the solar system project ideas from the above link is to have your child or students create or design their own planet. This is a great learning experience because it involves engaging multiple subject parts.
Art
One of the main parts of this project is drawing and coloring exactly what the planet will look like. With more and more arts programs being removed from regular curriculum it is more important than ever to include it wherever possible.
Writing
Writing practice is always important because writing is an essential life skill that will need to be developed and perfected throughout the younger years. This also gives the kids a chance to practice a bit more scientific writing style and develop solar system vocabulary.
Critical thinking
While this learning activity is intended to be fun, it should also require the use of critical thinking skills. The planet should be fun and creative, but there also needs to be some scientific backing and use of proper vocabulary as mentioned above. The planet’s location should be noted and the life forms on the planet should accurately represent its distance from the sun.
Solar System Projects Kids Love
It shouldn’t be difficult to find a science related project that kids are stoked about. These solar system projects, including the create your own planet project, are tried and true by a teacher who knows not only what kids enjoy, but what will actually teach the subject matter in an effective way.