5 Engaging Solar System Projects for Kids
By MARISSA DESPINS Updated March 26, 2024
Learning about astronauts and space has always been a favorite topic for my elementary learners. I always find our solar system unit to be one of my favorite ones to plan, as there are so many opportunities for subject integration with science, art, reading, and writing. In this post I share 5 of my favorite solar system projects for kids.
Looking for some no prep resources to help you teach about the solar system? Click on the image or button below to see all of the space related resources available in my TPT shop!
- Solar System Scavenger Hunt
- Space Vocabulary Matching
- Oreo Phases of the Moon
- Planet Research Posters
- NASA Job Applications
Solar System Scavenger Hunt
This is my very favorite solar system projects for kids, and is a great way to introduce our Space unit. It never fails to get the kids super excited about the lessons to come.
First, print and cut out the facts cards. I like to laminate mine so I can use them year after year. Next, tape the cards up around your classroom and hallway. If it is a nice day outside, this activity works great when you hang the cards outside too :).
Finally, pass the kids a clipboard and question sheet, and have them hunt around for the answers. This activity works great independently or in partners. Completing the scavenger hunt gets the kids up and out of their seats, which is lovely. It is so much more engaging than boring comprehension questions!
Grab yourself a copy of these solar system projects for kids by clicking here or on the image below.
For more fun ways to introduce your next space unit, check out our post on Solar System websites for kids!
Space Vocabulary matching
There is so much new science vocabulary in a unit about space, and my students often struggle with keeping track of all the new words. This matching activity is a super fun way to practice new vocabulary.
Independently or in partners, students simply cut and glue the definitions to the corresponding vocabulary words. This hands-on activity is much more engaging than copying words down from the textbook!
Grab the complete unit here.
Oreo Phases of the moon
Any lesson that involves Oreos is a winner in my books. For this activity, students crack open a stack of Oreo cookies and use them to demonstrate their understanding of the phases of the moon!
Full instructions and all of the labels needed to complete this activity are included. All you need are Oreo cookies and paper plates. You may also want to have a few baby wipes handy – things can get a little sticky ;).
Grab the complete unit by clicking here.
Planet Research Posters
I always like to have something related to our unit to hang up in the hallway, and these planet posters are perfect. Students research the planets of our solar system by using a list of student-friendly links, then assemble their research into these fun posters!
Research templates, solar system research links, assembly instructions, and a variety of page toppers are included.
The best part? You can grab this activity for FREE by clicking here or on the image below!
NASA Job Applications
To add a little bit of writing to our space unit, I like to have my students complete these fun NASA job applications. Students pretend they are NASA astronauts, and complete a variety of writing tasks to help them apply to be onboard the space station. Students need to go back to things they have learned throughout the unit to complete the applications, so they make excellent review tools!
Looking for more information about Solar system projects for kids?
Check out my previous post here.
Looking for some additional space resources?
Check out the following Solar System Interactive Notebook resource in my tpt store by clicking on one of the images. It is one of my top selling resources!
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