solar system project grade 2

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Solar System Science Fair Projects for Second Grade

How to Make Solar System Projects for Kids

Science fair projects have always been a staple of the middle and high school science curriculum. Even elementary school students as young as second grade can benefit from these learning tools. These projects give students an opportunity to interact with science and demonstrate real knowledge through practical learning. Solar system projects are ideal in second grade because studying the solar system is part of the curriculum in many states and is something young students are interested in and excited to investigate.

Solar System Model

In second grade, a very basic and standard project for students would be creating a model of the solar system. Students can buy prepackaged models or visit a craft store and buy different size foam balls created expressly for this purpose. The second option gives students more opportunity to demonstrate creativity along with their knowledge of the solar system. Students would be required to put these models together to show the planets' placement and rotation around the Sun.

Moon Studies

Part of the elementary school curriculum for the solar system involves learning about the moons that orbit a planet. Students can choose one planet to study, such as Mars, and investigate the moons and their properties. Students could create a science board on their chosen planet, then go into detail about each moon or other satellite attached to that planet. Students could make a model of the planet and its moons and their orbits.

Investigating Stars

Students learn about the Sun and other stars in the second grade science curriculum in many states. An in-depth study of the Sun with a science board presentation would be an appropriate second grade science project. Students could, with the help of a parent or teacher, do research on another star in the solar system and compare the star's color, temperature and distance to that of the Sun. Students might choose instead to study a category of star, such as supernovas, blue giants, red dwarfs or others. Students could even do a project on the life cycle of a typical star.

Planet Investigations

Students in second grade learn about the planets and how they compare to Earth. Doing an individual study on a specific planet would be a reasonable science project for a second grader. Another idea would be to compare key factors between Earth and the chosen planet, such as: atmosphere composition, temperature, presence of water and distance from the Sun. Students can speculate about the possibility of life on other planets based on these factors as well.

Solar System Projects

Keep in mind that at the second grade level, solar system projects are not traditional science fair projects, as they do not involve creating a hypothesis and testing it. Students need to ask a question and do research, but there's no experimentation involved in this kind of project.

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About the Author

Pamela Rivers is a writer and English teacher who has been writing for over 20 years. She has been published in "Teaching Today" and "Burnside Writer's Collective." She has a bachelor's degree from Ball State University and a master's degree from Pepperdine University.

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The Solar System

Science lessons for grade 2.

The solar system consists of a central star, which is the sun, and the bodies that orbit it. The most prominent of the bodies that orbit the sun are the planets: four small rocky planets near the sun, and the four giant planets further out. The small rocky planets near the sun are Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars. The giant planets are Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. There are moons orbiting these planets, and all the moons in the solar system number to more than 160.

The Sun is the star at the centre of the solar system. It is about five billion years old, and is expected to shine as it does now for about another five billion years. The sun is about 1.4 million kilometres in diameter. It consists almost entirely of hydrogen and helium. Energy is created in the sun when the hydrogen is converted into helium. This energy leaves the sun as heat and light that reaches us every day, and supports life on Earth.

Mercury is the nearest planet to the sun, and it orbits the sun at a distance of about 58 million kilometres. Mercury travels around the sun at an average speed of about 48 kilometres per second. It completes an orbit around the sun in just under 88 days. Mercury is very small and rocky.

Venus is the second planet from the sun. It is very rocky. It orbits the sun very slowly, so completes an orbit only in about 253 Earth days. Venus is the hottest planet, with a maximum surface temperature of about 480ᵒC.

The Earth is the third planet to orbit the sun. About 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water. The Earth has one natural satellite, called the moon. The solid inner core of the Earth has a temperature of about 6,600ᵒC.

Mars is the fourth planet from the sun, and is known as the red planet. Mars has two tiny moons. There are many huge extinct volcanoes on Mars. The atmosphere of Mars consists mainly of Carbon Dioxide.

Jupiter is the fifth planet from the sun. It is the largest planet in the solar system. Its diameter is about 11 times that of the Earth. Jupiter has 63 known moons.

Saturn is the sixth planet from the sun. It is a gas giant, almost as big as Jupiter. It has an equatorial diameter of about 120,500 kilometres. Saturn has more than 60 known moons.

Uranus is the seventh planet around the sun. It is the third largest planet, with a diameter of about 51,000 kilometres. There are about 27 known Uranian moons, all of which are icy.

Neptune is the furthest planet from the sun, at a distance of about 4,500 million kilometres. Neptune has 13 known moons. Triton is the largest Neptunian moon, and it is the coldest object in the Solar System.

You can now attempt a short quiz on the solar system .

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43 Solar System Project Ideas That Are Out Of This World

October 5, 2023 //  by  Eileen Zajac

No matter what grade they’re in, nothing gets your students excited quite like when you announce your solar system topic! It’s the perfect all-rounder that lends itself brilliantly to so many curricular areas from art to science to literacy, and beyond. There are so many amazing projects out there to do with your kiddos, it can be hard to narrow them down, but fear not, we’ve done the hard work for you! Read on to find the perfect projects for your kids, from preschool all the way up to 8th grade. 

Solar System Activities for Preschool & Kindergarten

1. edible science craft.

Dive into a delectable journey through space. With colorful edible items at their disposal, your kiddies can craft a delicious solar system. Encourage them to use their knowledge of each planet to make their creations as accurate as possible! All that’s left is to enjoy these delicious works of art!

Learn more: The Peaceful Pr e school

2. Solar System Sensory Fun Activities

Sensory exploration meets the cosmos in this delightful activity. Engage your students with a tactile STEM experiment that tells an enlightening space story. Through touch and sight, they’ll grasp the wonders of the solar system and learn all about the eight planets that call it home! As their fingertips embark on a stellar journey curiosity ignites and the universe beckons!

Learn more: Home School Giveaways

3. Edible Solar System

How about turning your learners into galactic chefs? This edible solar system project is a culinary masterpiece that they’ll love to create. Have them use different candies, chocolates, and other edible decorations to re-create our solar system. In this delicious journey from planet to plate, they’ll craft, decorate, and then savor! 

Learn more: School Time Snippets

4. Solar System Puzzle Activity

Solving puzzles is out of this world! Enhance the fine motor skills of your kiddos by involving them in an exciting solar system puzzle activity. Provide them with puzzles featuring different planets and encourage them to recognize and name the planets.

Learn More: Amazon

5. Solar System Yoga Poses

A little movement goes a long way when littles are learning. Introduce your kiddies to yoga by associating poses with planets and elements of the solar system. This active learning approach not only promotes fitness but also helps them remember the names of planets.

Learn More: Yo Re Mi Kids

6. Planet Song and Dance

Give your young ones something to sing and dance about! Create a catchy song and dance routine based on the planets in the solar system. This is a fun, engaging, and interactive way to introduce your kiddos to the planets in our solar system.

Learn More: YouTube

7. Color By Number Solar System

Launch into relaxing a color-by-number activity. Provide your little cosmic learners coloring sheets with the different planets and let them bring them to life as they color them in using the numbers as their guide. This will help reinforce their number recognition while simultaneously learning about the solar system in a colorful way. 3 – 2 – 1 Blast Off!

Learn More: Color Your Name

8. Planet Mobile Craft

Here’s a team activity for your little astronauts-in-training. Craft a solar system mobile as a class and let small groups each tackle a different planet, using glitter, glue, paints, and any other craft supplies you can find! This is a hands-on activity that can be hung up in the classroom after completion. Proudly display them as a reminder to your kiddos that teamwork makes the dream work!

Learn More: National Geographic Kids

Solar System Activities for Grades Kindergarten – Grade 2

9. playdough planets.

Simple playdough takes on an astronomical twist in this craft. Let your kiddies have fun molding different planets using a range of vivid colors of playdough, using pictures as their guides. This hands-on activity is the perfect balance between artistry with astronomy. 

Learn more: A Little Pinch of Perfect

10. Foldable Planets – Solar System Poster

This stunning cut-and-paste project lets your little ones recreate the planetary alignment with ease. All they’ll need are the printouts, some scissors, a glue stick, and some coloring pens or pencils Through this amazing craft, they’ll get to grips with the layout of our solar system and make a cute folding piece of art in the process!

Learn more: The Crafting Chicks

11. Solar System Model With Fruits

Nutrition fuses with knowledge in this vibrant and testy activity. Task your kiddies with crafting a solar system using an assortment of delicious fruits, and watch as creativity unfolds, and snack time turns educational. Will they be able to create their model before hunger takes over and they eat their makeshift planets?!

Learn more: Kids Activities Blog

12. Water Color Solar System

The canvas of space awaits your little artists’ brushes. Encourage them to use watercolors to bring the planets to life, mixing colors and letting the lines blur to capture these amazing cosmic wonders. This art project is truly out of this world and the results are definitely going to be ones to hang on your classroom walls!

Learn more: Toddler at Play

13. Whole-Class Awesome Solar System Project

Why not come together as a class to create an impressive 3D Solar System model? Regardless of class size or attendance, this group activity is sure to grab the attention of all your learners and have them excited for each chance to work on the project. As your kiddos collaborate, a classroom cosmos emerges!

Learn more: Little Lives

14. Spinning Science Craft

Embrace the dance of the planets with this spinning craft all about orbits. Your kiddos will have front-row seats in visualizing the rotations of our solar system with this next idea. Use a paper plate as a base then add paper, pom poms, and other crafting items to represent planets and space materials. This simple craft is a super way to help them grasp the basics of our solar system with every spin. 

Learn more: Books And Giggles

15. Solar System Flashcards

Test your kiddos’ planetary knowledge with these fun flashcards! Your eager astronomers will be a quick study as they use the pictures of the planets to spark their recall of facts about each one. This versatile resource can be used for memory games, independent study, or for quiz games in class.

Learn More: Worksheets Planet

16. Planetarium Visit

The excitement will be sky-high! If possible, organize a visit to a local planetarium and provide your enthusiastic kiddos with the opportunity to see, think, and wonder as they explore the stars! This is the perfect educational field trip, where the children can learn about the solar system in an immersive setting. They’ll be talking about this trip for years to come!

Learn More: Science Oxford  

17. Solar System Coloring Book

Red, blue, orange, and gold- it’s not a rainbow, but the opportunity for your littles to fill their pages with what they know about the planets! Create a solar system coloring book with each page representing a different planet. This not only teaches them about the solar system but will also enhance their creativity and coloring skills. What’s not to love?

18. Solar System Skit

We know how much this age group likes to move – so let them! Encourage your kiddies to create a skit, where each student plays the role of a planet. What a fantastic, creative way for them to use their bodies to showcase all they’ve learned! This will help to reinforce the characteristics and order of the planets with heaps of giggles and enthusiasm. 

Learn More: YouTube  

19. Planets Matching Game

Let your littles reach for the stars! Design a matching game with pictures of planets and their names to give your kiddos a fun way to practice identifying each of the eight planets in our solar system! They’ll be learning while playing and strengthening their memory skills too!

Learn More: Behind The Mom Bun  

Solar System Activities for Grades 3-5

20. solar system bottle caps project.

Transform recycled bottle caps and lids into planets in this eco-friendly solar system project! Have your kiddos arrange their decorated items to create an eye-catching visualization of our solar system. The cosmos awaits in this fun project where sustainability meets science, forming a handcrafted universe.

Learn more: Still Playing School

21. Solar System Bracelet

Bling up your students’ learning experience with this next idea! Have them use different colored beads to represent the different planets to create a solar system bracelet. This hands-on activity allows them to keep a physical and creative reminder of our remarkable solar system. Who knew a solar system project could be so stylish?

22. DIY Solar Jar

Light up the universe with this DIY solar jar project. Using accessible materials like air-drying clay and string, your learners can create these mesmerizing decorative pieces. Each jar captures a piece of the solar system’s magic and becomes an artifact of light and cosmic wonder.

Learn more: Teach Beside Me

23. Simple Solar Systems Rock!

For a blend of geology and astronomy look no further than this next activity. Start by giving each of your kiddos a rock and let them paint it using acrylic paints or specialist paint pens. Why not challenge them to make one for each planet? Watch as artistry and science meld, resulting in stone-bound galaxies.

Learn more: Artistro

24. Explore The Phases Of The Moon Oreos

Turn the study of moon phases into a delicious exploration. Start your exploration off by giving your kiddies 8 Oreos each and have them twist the top cookie off. Next, have them scrape the icing off each cookie to show each phase of the moon. This project will see them tell the story of the moon, if they can resist eating the cookies first, that is!

Learn more: National Parks Service

25. Paper Mache Solar System

Crafting the cosmos has never been so tactile. With the magic of paper mache, your kiddies will have a ball sculpting a stunning solar system. This is a perfect opportunity to recycle waste paper from your classroom as you layer it around a balloon, using glue, to create these amazing planets! From pulpy beginnings, a galaxy will emerge!

Learn more: Hub Pages

26. Hanging Planets

Create a fun and eye-catching solar system display for your class with this next idea. Have your kids draw detailed versions of the planets and hang these using string with added beads to symbolize the moons. Craft meets décor as you create this breathtaking stellar canopy for your room! 

Learn more: All That’s Goood

27. Solar System Cootie Catcher

Let your kiddos have a go at this timeless playground game with a cosmic twist. They’ll revive the classic cootie catcher, now infused with solar system wonders, and be revising their facts without even realizing it! This fun paper craft is compact, it’s educational, and nestles snugly in notebooks, always ready for a game!

Learn more: Rock Your Homeschool

28. Create a Solar System Comic Strip

Explore the thrills of intergalactic space travel with aliens, rocket ships, and dangerous meteor showers! There are adventures to be had beyond our atmosphere! Encourage your students to get creative and create a comic strip depicting an exciting and perilous journey through the solar system! This fun and creative project will allow them to express their understanding of the solar system in a super imaginative way.

Learn More: Storyboard That

29. Solar System Crossword Puzzle

Learning topic vocabulary is critical in mastering reading, and each new unit of study is a super chance to enrich your young learners’ word bank. Design a crossword puzzle with clues about different elements of the solar system. This activity can be a fun way to test their knowledge and improve their vocabulary related to the solar system at the same time. 

Learn More: Precision Roller

30. Planet Clay Models

Bring the galaxy into the palm of your young astronomers’ hands! Your pupils will revel in the opportunity to create their own 3D models of the planets using clay, then decorate with paint, glitter, or even sand to add texture! This tactile, hands-on activity is a fun way to explore the relative sizes and features of the planets.

31. Write a Solar System Diary Entry

To Infinity and Beyond! Ask your kiddies to pretend they are astronauts who are out exploring the solar system and have them write a diary entry about their adventures. This fantastic and imaginative writing activity can help improve their creative thinking while demonstrating their understanding of the solar system.

Learn More: Twinkl

32. Fizzy Science Project Ideas

Try out this cool chemical reaction project next. Fizzing planet models will captivate your kiddos using materials you can buy at the grocery store! Grab some baking soda, food coloring, dish soap, and vinegar and you’re good to go! Combining chemistry and the cosmos is a surefire way to guarantee they’re totally captivated by their learning.

Learn more: 123 Home School 4 Me

Solar System Activities for Grades 6-8

33. simple balloon solar system.

Cosmic adventures and exploration await your students. Bring an added element of fun to your solar system module with this fun idea aimed at exploring the relative sizes of the planets. Use colors that match closely to each planet, and add features like rings as you blow up balloons of different sizes to create this colorful display. Let’s hope there are no big bangs in your solar system though!

Learn more: Pinterest

34. Solar System Facts

Dive deep into a universe brimming with facts. These amazingly detailed infographics invite your learners to uncover the cosmos’s secrets and document what they’ve learned in a super fun way. A factual universe unfolds, and your kids are already charting a path!

Learn more: Space Facts

35. Planet Fact Fans | Upper Elementary Solar System Project Ideas

Engage with the mysteries of our cosmos. Give your kiddos these eye-catching fact fans, and let them dive into the galactic world of planetary wonders. These fun printables blend facts with artistry and not is the perfect activity to use in your solar system topic. Everyone will be a fan of these planet fact fans!

Learn more: Teachers Pay Teachers

36. Cup, Plate Styrofoam Model For Kids

Who knew the entire universe could fit in your classroom? With a few styrofoam balls, a plastic cup, and a paper plate, challenge your kids to recreate the solar system’s grandeur. This activity is more than just crafting, it’s also a great way to test their knowledge of planet order, size, and appearance. 

Learn more: My Home Based Life

37. Solar System 3D Model

Bring the majesty of space to a 3D canvas. With this diorama project, you’ll be setting your students the challenge of researching, designing, and capturing the essence of our universe in a miniature model. Set them up with a range of crafting and recycled materials and see their creativity and resourcefulness take center stage.

Learn more: RIS

38. Pom-pom Balls Solar System Model

Transform ordinary pom-poms into planetary magic. With a splash of color and a touch of imagination, your students can craft a fluffy solar system. Watch as each pom-pom takes on a celestial identity. This activity seamlessly merges tactile fun with cosmic education. A soft universe, radiating vibrancy, waits for your students to assemble.

Learn more: Homeschool Fridays

39. List The Essentials

See how much your students have learned about space by testing their knowledge! Tell them they’re headed for space, but first, they need to make a list of the essentials they’ll need to survive out there. There’s one rule- if they miss something vital from their list, they don’t get to come! Who’ll be blasting off into the great unknown and who’ll need to go back to the revision drawing board?

Learn More: Wonderopolis

40. Virtual Reality Solar System Exploration

Bringing the experience to life! If you have access to VR technology, take your learners on a virtual tour of the solar system. This immersive adventure can help deepen their understanding of the solar system whilst they get some hands-on experience with some amazing, state-of-the-art tech!

Learn More: Tech Trends

41. Solar System Debate

Use the power of debate to hook your students into the topic of the solar system! Hold a classroom debate on a solar system-related topic, such as whether Pluto should still be considered a planet or if there is life on another planet. This can help them to develop their argumentative and persuasion skills all while deepening their understanding of the solar system.

Learn More: Science

42. Research Project on a Chosen Planet

Spark curiosity and sharpen your kiddos’ research skills by starting a research project with them. Have them each choose a planet and create a detailed research project on it, including facts about the planet, its history of discovery, and any unique features. Make this project even more engaging by posing a problem they’ll need to solve: Humans have to leave Earth – How could they survive on your chosen planet? 

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Planets and Solar System

This is our collection of solar system, outer space, and planet worksheets that you use for your Science lessons.

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1. Learn about sizes and distances in our solar system

2. decide what kind of model you want to build, 3. choose where your model solar system will go, 4. calculate scale distances, 5. calculate scale planet sizes, 6. calculate combined scale distance and planet size, 7. create and display your model, 8. make a solar system on a string (scale distance model), 9. solar system on the sidewalk (scale distance and/or size model), 10. solar system in the yard (scale distance model).

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Make a Scale Solar System

Have you ever wondered about the sizes of planets in the solar system or the distances between them? In this project, you will create your own scale model of the solar system by learning how to calculate scale distances, the relative sizes of planets, or both. Then, use beads and string , sidewalk chalk , or your own creative choice of materials to build a model you can explore – or maybe even wear!

Materials of your choice for building your model (e.g., beads and string; chalk; distance markers, such as cones, ground stakes or popsicle sticks). See steps for more info.

Ruler with centimeter markings OR measuring tape

(Optional) Spreadsheet software (e.g., Excel or Google Sheets)

(Optional) Calculator

Distances in the solar system can be huge! The distance from the Sun to Neptune is nearly three billion miles (four billion kilometers). Because the distances between planets are so great, astronomers sometimes describe distances in terms of astronomical units (AU). One AU is equal to the average distance between the Sun and Earth, about 93 million miles (150 million kilometers). This allows scientists to describe and calculate distances more efficiently. For example, instead of saying, "Mars is 130 million miles from the Sun," scientists can say, "Mars is 1.5 AU from the Sun."

It's not just the distances between planets that are large. There are also huge differences in the size of each planet. Because of this, it can be difficult or even impossible to display both planet size and distance accurately, especially in smaller scale models like an image.

Watch this video about the size of planets and the distances between them to see how far they are from each other, how they differ in size, and how difficult it is to display both their size and distance accurately.

Watch en Español: Seleccione subtítulos en Español bajo el ícono de configuración. | Watch on YouTube

More solar system size and scale resources:

• Solar System Sizes and Distances reference guide – download PDF
• Solar System Trading Cards

Decide if you want your model to show scale planet sizes or the scale distances between planets. You can combine a planet-size model of one scale with a distance model of another scale. But if you want size and distance to be the same scale, you’ll need to spread your model across at least half a mile! See Step 6 for instructions on building a combined size-and-distance model.

Pick a place to set up your solar system model. This could be across a bedroom wall, along the floor of a hallway or large room, outside in a yard, or down a sidewalk.

Keep your choice in mind as you calculate the size of planets and distances between them in the next steps. You'll need to have enough materials, and your model will have to fit within the place you choose.

Instructions for building a model out of beads and string , sidewalk chalk , or yard markers are included below, but you can use any materials or any space you like!

If you're making a scale-distance model, keep reading for two different methods of calculating scale distances. For a scale-size model, skip to Step 5.

Calculate manually:

• Download the distance calculation chart ( DOCX ).
• Multiply the scale factor on the chart by the distance to each planet in astronomical units (AU). Note: When using the suggested 10 centimeters per 1 AU, you’ll need about 10 feet between the Sun and Neptune. If you want your model to span a longer or shorter distance, you can change the scale value accordingly.

Calculate using a spreadsheet:

• Download the Scale Distance spreadsheet ( XLSX or CSV ).
• Create a formula in your spreadsheet that will calculate the distance from the Sun to each planet (in centimeters) in your model. The formula should multiply the AU value by the number of centimeters you want each AU to represent, your scale value.
• A spreadsheet multiplication formula follows this format: =B3*10, where B3 is the cell with a planet’s AU distance and 10 is the scale value. B refers to the cell column and 3 refers to the cell row.

Try different scale values to make your scale model span a shorter or longer distance, depending on where you want to place it.

Once you've done your calculations, go to Steps 8-10 for a few different ideas for creating and displaying your model. You can also come up with your own creative display using your choice of materials. 

If you're making a scale-size model, keep reading for two different methods of calculating the scale sizes of the planets. For a scale-distance model, see Step 4 above.

• Download the size calculation chart ( DOCX ).
• Choose the size (diameter) you want Earth to be in your model (for example 1 cm).
• For each planet, multiply the size you chose for Earth by the multiplier value on the chart. The multiplier is a planet’s size compared with Earth. This will give you the scale size of each planet.
• Download the Scale Size Calculator spreadsheet ( XLSX or CSV ).
• Choose the size (diameter) you want Earth to be in your model (for example 10 cm).
• Create a formula in your spreadsheet that will calculate the diameter of (distance across) each planet in centimeters. The formula should multiply the size you chose for Earth by the multiplier value for each planet. The multiplier is a planet’s size compared with Earth.
• A spreadsheet multiplication formula follows this format: =B3*10, where B3 is the cell with a planet’s multiplier (its size compared to Earth) and 10 is the size you chose for Earth. B refers to the cell column and 3 refers to the cell row.

Try different values for Earth to make your scale planets larger or smaller depending on the materials you have available to represent the size of each planet.

Once you've done your calculations, go to Step 9 to find out how to make a sidewalk chalk scale model. You can also come up with your own creative display using your choice of materials.

If you are interested in a more accurate way to represent the solar system and have a lot of space (at least half a mile!) to work with, try making a model of the solar system that displays distance and planet size at the same scale. Otherwise, skip this step.

• Download the Scale Size and Distance Spreadsheet ( XLSX  or  CSV ) or the Solar System Sizes and Distances reference guide if calculating manually.

Scale Diameter / Scale Distance = Actual Diameter / Actual Distance | + Expand image

Scale Diameter (Actual Distance) / Actual Diameter = Scale Distance | + Expand image

In this example, the spreadsheet function divides the product of Earth’s scale diameter (B5) and actual distance from the Sun (E5) by Earth’s actual diameter (D5) using =(B5*E5)/D5 to find the scale distance from Earth to the sun. | + Expand image

Scale Planet Diameter / Scale Earth Diameter = Actual Planet Diameter / Actual Earth Diameter | + Expand image

In this example, the product of the scale diameter of Earth (B5) and the actual diameter of Mars (D6) is divided by the actual diameter of Earth (D5) using =(B5*D6)/D5 to find the scale diameter of Mars. | + Expand image

Scale Planet Distance / Scale Earth Diameter = Actual Planet Distance / Actual Earth Diameter | + Expand image

In this example, the spreadsheet function calculates the product of the scale diameter of Earth (B5) and the actual distance to Mars (E6) divided by the actual diameter of Earth (D5) using =(B5*E6)/D5. | + Expand image

• Repeat the previous steps for the remaining planets.
• Use a ruler, compass, string, protractor, or another tool to draw circles of appropriate sizes for each planet. You can color the circles to resemble the planets’ appearances.
• Using online mapping software, such as Google or Bing maps, right-click on the location that represents the Sun (e.g., your home) and click “measure distance” to identify where the scale planets should go. Depending on the calculated size of the scale model, you may want to check with neighbors and friends to see if they can host the more distant planets in your scale model.

Now it's time to create your model! There are lots of ways you can create and display your scale solar system. With your measurements calculated, choose one of the options below, or come up with your own.

Tie colored beads onto a string to make a scale model of the distances between planets in the solar system. You can wear your model or even display it on a wall.

• String (enough to span the distance to Neptune, plus an extra 30 cm)
• Beads, washers, or some other object to mark the distance to each planet on the string
• Calculated distances from Step 4
• Measure and cut a piece of string about 30 cm longer than the distance you calculated from the Sun to Neptune.
• Tie a bead representing the Sun to one end of the string using a double knot. If you don’t have beads, you can tie metal washers to the string, attach planet cutouts or trading cards, or simply use tape to mark the location of the Sun.
• Using the distances (in centimeters) that you calculated, measure the distance from the Sun on the string to each planet and tie a colored bead in place using a double knot. If you can, choose beads that are the colors of the planets and the Sun.
• Once you have attached all your beads or marked your planets on the string in some way, straighten out the string to see your scale solar system!

Use chalk to make a walkable scale model of the distances between planets and/or the sizes of planets in the solar system. Invite your family and friends to take a walk through your scale model.

• Sidewalk chalk
• Calculated distances from Step 4 or distances and sizes from Step 6
• Use sidewalk chalk to draw the Sun on the ground.
• Measure the distance you calculated to each planet and draw them at their scale distances.
• If you calculated the planet sizes compared with each other, measure those sizes as you draw them, giving your planets the correct diameter.
• You can draw your planets all along a single straight line from the Sun, but if you have enough space, consider drawing them at their correct distance in different spots in orbit around the Sun.

Use distance markers like cones or popsicle sticks in your yard or an open area to create a scale model of the distances between planets in the solar system.

• Popsicle sticks, cones, or other objects to mark distances
• Use distance markers like cones, ground stakes, or popsicle sticks to mark the locations of the planets at the distances you calculated.
• Attach drawings or cutouts of the planets to their markers.

• Celestial Bodies
• Solar System
• Solar System Project For School

Solar System Project for School

Earth is the place we live and is the place where life can sustain. The earth belongs to this wide universe. The universe holds all the astronomical objects or celestial objects. The solar system includes celestial objects that are gravitationally bound and revolve around the Sun.

The solar system includes the Sun in the middle, which is the nearest star to the earth. Sun is a star. It includes eight planets which are arranged as Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. Each planet has its own properties and characteristics. The solar system contains the Sun and planets along with asteroids, satellites and orbits. It is elementary to know about these planets and the Sun, which constitute the solar system.

We all know making a solar system is part of a science project as per the school curriculum. In this article, let us know in detail about designing and developing a solar system project for school.

This article will explain the construction of the solar system in five simple steps.

Solar System Project

Before you begin constructing this project, make sure you know the order of the planets in the solar system. It is mandatory to know the order of the planets in order to know which planet to be placed aside from each planet. It is also important to know the size and colour of each planet too.

Read More: Solar System

Colour Of The Planets

Mercury – Grey

Venus – Grey and Brown

Earth – White, Brown, Green, and Blue

Mars – Red, tan and brown

Jupiter – Orange, White cloud stripes, Brown and Tan

Saturn – Blue-grey, Golden and brown

Uranus – Blue-green

Neptune – Blue

Size of the Sun and Planets in Decreasing Order

Note : The Sun is the largest celestial body among these.

Now let’s begin to construct the solar system, and let us also learn about the step-by-step procedure to construct it.

Materials Required

• Cardboard sheet of standard length or as per your choice of the area.
• Paint colours – black and as per the colour of the planets mentioned above.
• Foam balls in four different sizes, as per the size approximation according to the sizes mentioned above.
• Make a ring for Saturn using the cardboard sheet. The ring should fit in the foam ball (Saturn planet size).

Steps and Procedures

Step 1: Paint the cardboard with black paint and let it rest for a while. Make sure it is painted evenly. Also, paint the foam balls keeping in mind the size and colour of the planet.

Step 2: Keeping the Sun in the centre of the cardboard sheet, draw the orbits around the Sun to place other planets. Paint the lines of orbit in white colour. Make sure to give a large gap between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter for the asteroid belt.

Step 3: Insert the ring for the Saturn planet and place the painted foam balls (planets) as shown in the picture below.

Step 4: Stick all the planets, including the Sun, on the cardboard sheet.

Step 5: Between Mars and Jupiter planets, cut small pieces of white paper and stick them randomly to represent the asteroid belt.

The Solar System Project for School is done!!

Read more about the difference between an asteroid and comet .

Frequently Asked Questions on Solar System

1. what are asteroids.

Asteroids are the small irregularly shaped objects that orbits around the sun. They are composed of metal, carbon and rocks.

2. What keeps objects like the planets and the asteroids orbiting around the sun?

Sun’s gravitational pull.

3. Which is the biggest object in the solar system?

The sun is the biggest object in the solar system.

4. How many planets are there in the solar system?

5. is the sun a star, watch the video to learn exciting facts about the sun.

Stay tuned with BYJU’S for more such interesting experiments on physics, chemistry and biology in an engaging way with video explanations.

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