Homemade Solar System Mobile
Create a cosmic hanging mobile featuring a glittery galaxy background and colorful planets. This project helps kids learn about the order of the planets and the structure of our solar system.
Tools
- markers or colored pencils (1 set)
Materials
- paper plate (1)
- black paint (1 small bottle)
- white paint (1 small bottle)
- glitter (1 small container)
- yarn (2-3 feet)
- construction paper (2 sheets yellow, 1 sheet assorted colors)
- cardboard (1 small sheet)
- glue (1 bottle)
- solar system templates (1 set)
Safety
- Protect work surface. Materials may stain clothing.
- Do not wrap string around neck or limbs.
- Adult supervision required for children under 8.
Steps
- 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.
- Dip a paintbrush in white paint and use your thumb to splatter the paint onto the plate to create stars. Repeat this on the other side and let the plate dry completely.
- Trace the sun template onto the cardboard and cut it out. Then, trace the sun template onto two sheets of yellow construction paper and cut those out.
- Glue one yellow sun to the center of the cardboard sun. Glue the remaining yellow paper rays around the edges of the cardboard sun and let it dry.
- Color the planet templates using markers or colored pencils (use real planet colors or imagine your own), then cut the planets out.
- Punch two holes on opposite sides of the sun's rays. Cut your yarn in half; take one piece, thread it through the holes, and tie it into a loop for hanging.
- On the dried paper plate, draw a spiral starting from the center and moving toward the outer edge (about two finger-widths thick), leaving a small circle in the very center. Cut along the spiral line.
- Punch a hole in the center circle of the spiral. Tie the remaining piece of yarn to this hole with a sturdy knot.
- Glue the cut-out planets onto the spiral in order from the sun outward. You can also add small dots for moons or brown/black circles for the asteroid belt.
- Thread the end of the yarn attached to the spiral through the sun piece. Slide it to your desired length and tie a strong knot to secure the mobile.