TEACHING SOLAR SYSTEM FOR KIDS
Learning about the solar system is a fun and educational experience for kids. Even the most young minds find the wonders of the solar system fascinating.
As parents, we have a vital role to play in helping children understand the world around them. What better way to spark curiosity than by exploring the secrets of the universe?
Teaching the solar system for kids not only stimulates their imagination but also fosters a love for learning that can last a lifetime.
Here are some fun and interesting ways to teach your children about the solar system, including a few great resources!
Been a long time since learned about our solar system? Why not brush up on your knowledge before getting into this? Planets in order
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Activities To Teach Solar System For Kids
1. Create a Solar System
To create your own solar system model, gather the following materials:
- Nine styrofoam balls of different sizes
- Wooden sticks
- Black marker
- Paint / paintbrushes
- Floral foam block
Get the sizing correct, with the sun as the largest (coloured yellow) and the others in order from Jupiter to Mercury.
Help younger kids with painting. Once dry, affix each ball to a wooden stick and place them in order around the sun, starting with Mercury and ending with Neptune, using a floral foam block as the base.
Older kids can also research sizes and colours for a more educational experience.
2. STORYTIME WITH SPACE
Select books on the solar system’s wonders that are appropriate for your child’s age.
Seek out picture books that are captivating and vibrant to hold your child’s interest. Talk about the sun, moon, and several planets as you read aloud together.
A couple of recommended books about planets and solar system for kids,
3. Sing about the Planets
Start a catchy, rhythmic song that lists the names of all the planets in our solar system and some interesting facts about them.
For young brains, music that uses rhythm is best because it helps them remember things. You could add easy hand motions or dance moves that go with each planet 🙂
Here are some educational solar system songs for kids: https://youtu.be/F2prtmPEjOc
4. Solar System Videos
You can add some educational solar system videos to their screen time. There are a variety of educational videos and cartoon clips that are acceptable for preschoolers that show the wonders of our solar system in a very clear way.
Look for material that has both interesting pictures and easy-to-understand text that is made for children.
Stop the videos every so often to talk about important points and answer any questions your little one may have. This interactive watching experience turns time spent in front of a screen into a chance to learn and talk about important things.
Here is one of our favourites! https://youtu.be/qfnceI0H-yc
5. Trip to local planetarium
Field trips to planetariums or observatories are a great way to give kids a hands-on experience with the solar system.
These trips allow kids to see the planets and other celestial bodies up close and learn from experts in the field. Many planetariums also offer interactive shows and activities that make learning about the solar system even more exciting.
This may help you find your local planetarium. Give it a try!
https://planetariums-database.org/
6. TAKE THE KIDS OUTSIDE
Set up blankets or soft pillows in your backyard or a nearby park and turn a normal evening into a magical night of stargazing.
Tell interesting myths and stories about these heavenly bodies to encourage fantasy and a sense of wonder.
This outdoor activity not only helps them learn more about space, but it also gives them lasting memories of spending time together.
Don’t forget to check out what planets and constellations you can see tonight!
7. Interactive Games
There are many interactive games available online that can help kids learn about the solar system.
These games can range from simple matching games to more complex simulations of space exploration, depending on age. By incorporating games into the learning process, kids can have fun while also reinforcing their knowledge of the solar system.
Play this free online interactive game with your kids.
8. Virtual Field Trips
With the advancement of technology, virtual field trips have become a popular way to teach kids about the solar system.
These virtual trips allow kids to explore the planets in our solar system with the click of a mouse. There are many websites and apps available that offer virtual tours of the solar system, such as NASA’s “Solar System Exploration” and “Google Sky”
One more with really good interactive experience,
9. Other Craft Activities
This can be so creative!
If your child is already passionate about craft activities, why not show them how to draw or craft the planets? You can have kids create their own solar system mobile using paper plates and string, or you can have them paint or draw their own interpretation of the planets.
Not only does it allow kids to express their creativity, but it also helps them remember information about the solar system.
More Activities To Teach The Planets
10. Twinkle, Twinkle Little Stars
Stickers that glow in the dark can be used to turn your ceiling into a starry night sky.
Take your kids and make it a nightly ritual to lie down and look up at the “night sky.” As you gaze at the skies, explain the idea of constellations. Tell short tales relating to these star patterns about well-known creatures or items.
This develops your child’s narrative and imaginative abilities too.
11. Planet Hopscotch
Create a cosmic adventure out of the traditional game of hopscotch to combine learning with physical activity.
Ask your kids to jump from one planet to another by making a hopscotch grid with planets in place of numbers. Say the name of each planet and interesting facts when they touch down.
This interactive game could turn into a totally educational session!
12. Cosmic Snack Time
Make savoury depictions of the solar system to turn snack time into an educational experience.
To symbolise the planets, use fruits like oranges, grapes, and blueberries.
Talk about the features of each planet and arrange them in the proper sequence.
This interactive activity teaches your kids about the solar system and promotes eating a balanced diet.
Benefits of Teaching Solar System For Kids
As you introduce the little ones to the concepts of the sun, planets, and stars, you open up a world of wonder and awe for them to explore.
Learning about the solar system’s fundamentals can boost their cognitive development and observational skills.
Also, it promotes spatial awareness and an understanding of scale and size.
It cultivates curiosity, imagination, and creativity too.
Picture this: while you’re chatting about those twinkling stars, your kiddo is soaking up new words faster than you can say “Mercury.” It’s a language development win!
Plus, exploring the solar system is like a cosmic playground for their curiosity. This can encourage them to explore and learn with confidence.
Conclusion
By using these techniques, you can make learning about the solar system a fun and engaging experience for kids.
Whether it’s through hands-on activities, interactive games, or virtual field trips, there are many ways to teach kids about the wonders of our solar system. So get creative and start exploring the universe with your little ones!
Don’t forget to let us know your favourite activity!
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