Objective
What kid doesn’t love learning about the solar system? The planets are interesting and when your child is ready to learn, there is a wealth of information out there to help you and your child. This lesson will help you teach your child about the different planets and interesting facts about each one. This is also a great time to teach your child about space exploration.
Materials
*Books about the Solar System
*Print out pictures of the planets
*Construction paper
*Glue
*Crayons
*Scissors
*Model magic
*Styrofoam
*Paint
Fact File
*The sun takes up over 98% of the mass in the solar system.*Pluto, which was the smallest planet, is no longer classified as a planet.
*Mars has a surface and atmosphere that most closely mirrors that of Earth.
*It takes 2-1/2 Earth centuries for the Sun to orbit around Pluto once.
*Some of the rocks found on Earth are actually pieces of Mars.
Activities
Make a Solar System book: One of the best ways to reinforce a lesson is to allow your child to make their very own fact book about the solar system. You can print out pictures of the planets and have them color each picture. Gather books and find websites and have your child write down several facts about each planet. Make a cover out of construction paper and organize the pages into a useful book.
A Solar System model is also fun—just do not rely on the store bought kits. Have your child come up with a unique way to make the solar system on his or her own. For example, how about making the planets out if lightweight clay such as Model Magic, or making a mobile?
Field Trip Opportunity
There are many excellent places you can take your child to learn more about the exciting world of the solar system. Look for a space center near you. The Houston Space Center offers families an in-depth look at space travel, the planets and much more. Ticket prices are $14.95 for kids and $18.95 for adults. You can get discount rates when traveling with a group and you can even check into overnight stays and day camps that are specifically geared towards scouts and homeschooling families. Don’t forget to tour the nearby Johnson Space Center while you are here. It offers a look at space exploration that your kids will love.
Wrap-Up
The official website for NASA is an excellent website when you are looking for just about any information about the solar system and space travel. Your child can even write to NASA and request information by mail. This website features an interactive place for kids of all ages to go and explore space through the Internet.
Another fun site for kids is Kids Astronomy. This site is full of easy to read and understand information for kids, all of which pertains to space. Kids can go here to learn detailed information about each planet as well learn about deep space, space exploration and more.
