How To Build A Solar System Model For Kids

Building a solar system model with your students, or children at home, can help them gain a better understanding of space. They can actually see the way the plants rotate around the sun and the size of the planets in comparison to each other. Work together with the kids to build a solar system model to give them some hands-on learning. Plan to make this solar system over a weekend, as you have to let paint dry on the planets before you continue with assembling the solar system.

Step 1

Put one ball on each paper plate so it is easier to keep track of the planets. Label the plates and the Styrofoam balls as such: Mercury (1 inch); Venus, Earth and Mars (1-1/2 inch); Jupiter (4 inch); Saturn (3 inch); Uranus (2-1/2 inch); Neptune (2 inch); Pluto (1-1/2 inch); and the Sun (5 inch).

Step 2

Pour some of each color of paint onto the plates with the planets. Try to match the paint color with the color of the planet. Paint the Styrofoam balls, taking care to completely cover the entire surface. Allow the paint to dry.

Step 3

Cut out a circle of card stock that fits around Saturn. Cut out a hole in the middle of the circle so you can wrap the rings around Saturn. Draw lines with markers to represent the rings. Glue the rings around Saturn.

Step 4

Assemble the solar system by sticking the skewers into each planet. Stick the sun at one end of the floral foam block. Continue with the rest of the planets and put them in the correct order from the sun.