How to Make a Solar System for Pre-k Class

The sun is a source of fascination from a young age.

Many pre-kindergarten children are fascinated by the sun, moon and stars and the changing colors of the sky above them. They may be too young to grasp the concept of a solar system. But by focusing on a simple craft activity, it is possible to introduce the idea that our planet is one of many that move around the sun.

Things You'll Need

• Paper plate
• Acrylic craft paints
• Marker pens
• Black card stock
• Colored card stock
• Scissors
• Brass paper fastener
• Self-adhesive stars
• Plastic straw
• Tape

Instructions

1. Have each child paint the front of his paper plate yellow to make the sun. Let him add a face to the sun when the base coat is dry, using paints or marker pens to draw in eyes, a nose and a mouth.

2. Have the child cut out a circle of black card stock with a diameter 8 inches wider than the paper plate. Have an adult help her, if necessary.

3. Use a brass paper fastener to attach the center of the sun to the center of the black circle.

4. Draw circles of different sizes on the colored card stock. Have the child cut them out to make the planets, or have an adult do this for her.

5. Let the child glue the planets to the black circle, using white craft glue. Order and arrange the planets according to size, and name them if you wish. Or let her stick them on at random. For this age group, the details don't need to be precise.

6. Have the child decorate the black circle with self-adhesive stars, sticking them randomly around the planets.

7. Tape a short piece of plastic straw to the outside edge of the black paper circle, so the child can use it as a lever to move the planets around the sun.

Tips & Warnings

• Explain that the real sun doesn't have a face, but that we often imagine it with a happy smile as its warm light helps sustain life on our planet.

• Supervise young children when using small items such as brass paper fasteners, which could pose a choking hazard.