Create a cosmic wind-catcher mobile featuring the sun and planets. This project combines art and astronomy to help kids visualize the layout of our solar system.

Tools

• scissors
• paintbrushes
• hole puncher
• markers or colored pencils (1 set)

Materials

• paper plate (1 count)
• cardboard (1 small sheet)
• yellow construction paper (2 sheets)
• construction paper templates for planets (1 set)
• black paint (4 oz)
• white paint (2 oz)
• glitter (1 small container)
• yarn (3 feet)
• school glue (1 bottle)

Safety

• Adult supervision required when using scissors.
• Be careful with glitter to avoid getting it in eyes.
• Adult supervision required for sharp objects.
• Protect work surface. Materials may stain clothing.
• Do not wrap string around neck or limbs.
• Adult supervision required for children under 8.

Steps

1. Paint both sides of the paper plate black or gray. While the paint is still wet, sprinkle glitter over the surface to create a starry background.
2. Dip your thumb in white paint and splatter it onto the plate to create distant stars. Set the plate aside to dry completely.
3. Trace the sun template onto the cardboard sheet and cut it out. Then, trace and cut the sun shape out of the two sheets of yellow construction paper.
4. Glue one yellow sun onto the cardboard sun. Glue individual yellow rays around the edges of the cardboard sun on both sides until it is fully covered.
5. Color the planet templates using markers or colored pencils to match the real planets (or use your imagination for an alien system), then cut them out.
6. Punch two holes on opposite sides of the sun's rays. Cut a piece of yarn (about 1.5 feet) and thread it through the holes, tying it into a loop for hanging.
7. On the dried paper plate, draw a spiral starting from the center and moving toward the outer edge, leaving a small circle of space in the middle. Cut along the spiral line to create a wind-catcher coil.
8. Punch a hole in the center piece of the spiral. Tie a separate piece of yarn to this hole with a sturdy knot.
9. Glue the cut-out planets along the length of the spiral coil in order from the sun outward. You can also paint small dots for moons or the asteroid belt.
10. Thread the yarn from the wind-catcher through the bottom of the sun and tie a strong knot to connect the two pieces. Trim any excess yarn.