DIY Solar System Model: A Fun & Educational Craft for Kids!

Updated at: 05/06/2025

Ever gazed up at the night sky and wondered about the vastness of our solar system? Now you can bring the cosmos down to earth with a fun and educational DIY project! Creating your own solar system model is a fantastic way to engage children's imaginations while teaching them about planets, their relative sizes, and their order from the sun. This hands-on activity combines creativity with science, offering a unique learning experience that goes beyond the textbook. It's a perfect weekend project for families, fostering teamwork and a deeper understanding of our celestial neighborhood.

This engaging craft requires minimal materials and is surprisingly easy to assemble, even for younger children with some adult supervision. Forget expensive planetarium trips – let's embark on a journey to build your own miniature solar system! Ready to get started? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below to create your very own awe-inspiring model.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
Safety Guidelines
  • Adult supervision is required at all times, especially when using sharp objects like scissors or craft knives.
  • Be mindful of small parts that could pose a choking hazard for young children. Ensure all components are appropriately sized and secured.
  • If using paint, ensure it is non-toxic and applied in a well-ventilated area. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety precautions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Gather Materials & Identify Planets

    • Open the space science kit and identify the components (foam balls representing planets, paint, stickers, etc.).
    • Match the foam balls to the planets shown on the included poster.
    Match the foam balls to the planets shown on the included poster.Match the foam balls to the planets shown on the included poster.
    Gather Materials & Identify Planets

  2. Paint the Planets

    • Paint the foam balls to represent the planets (using colors and details as instructed or creatively).
    Paint the foam balls to represent the planets (using colors and details as instructed or creatively).
    Paint the Planets

  3. Prepare the Background

    • Prepare a black construction paper board.
    • Sponge on blue paint to create a space background on the board.
    Sponge on blue paint to create a space background on the board.Sponge on blue paint to create a space background on the board.
    Prepare the Background

  4. Attach Planets to Board

    • Apply double-sided tape to the back of the painted foam balls.
    • Carefully place the foam balls (planets) onto the board to create your solar system model.
    Carefully place the foam balls (planets) onto the board to create your solar system model.Carefully place the foam balls (planets) onto the board to create your solar system model.
    Attach Planets to Board

  5. Add Finishing Touches

    • Add any remaining stickers for extra details.
    Add any remaining stickers for extra details.
    Add Finishing Touches

Read more: Build a Solar Updraft Tower: A Fun Science Project!

Tips

  • Use a sheet to protect your work surface.
  • Let the painted planets dry completely before placing them on the board.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect Planet Sizes

Reason: Planets are often drawn disproportionately, not reflecting their actual relative sizes.
Solution: Use a scale to accurately represent the planets' diameters relative to each other.

2. Unrealistic Planet Spacing

Reason: The distances between planets are not to scale, making the model inaccurate and misleading.
Solution: Employ a simplified scale to represent vast distances between planets, or create a model with a larger area to increase the realism of the spacing.

3. Using Unstable Materials

Reason: Using materials that are too flimsy or easily damaged can lead to a poorly constructed and unattractive model.
Solution: Select sturdy materials such as Styrofoam balls, paint, and strong wire or dowels for a more robust model.

FAQs

What materials do I need to make a solar system model?
You'll need a styrofoam ball (for the sun), smaller styrofoam balls or paint for the planets, paint, string or wire, and something to hang your model from, like a cardboard circle or a mobile hanger. You might also want glitter glue for added sparkle!
How accurately do I need to represent the sizes and distances of the planets?
Perfect scale is difficult! Focus on the relative sizes of the planets – Jupiter should be much larger than Earth, for example. Accurate distances are challenging to achieve in a typical model. The key is to demonstrate the order of the planets from the sun.