Grade Level: 2nd +
Students will learn about and identify the planets in our solar system by identifying planets in the solar system and name some of their basic characteristics.. Students will also create their own planets with the paper mache technique.
Prepare the work surface for the students with disposable table cloths. Cut strips of newspaper. Blow up one balloon for each planet in various sizes (Jupiter, Mars, Uranus, Neptune, Earth, Saturn, Mercury, Venus).
Mix 1 cup flour with 2 cups water. Dip the strips of newspaper into the flour mixture and place on the balloon. Cover the entire balloon and repeat with 2-3 layers of newspaper.
I highly recommend doing three layers of newspaper. The balloons we covered with less than three layers were too thin and caved when trying to paint.
Hang balloons and allow them to dry overnight.
Paint each planet. Use the magnetic planet kit as a visual guide. We used a small plastic cup to hold the planet in place while we painted them. Hang planets back up to dry when done painting.
Use cardstock to create the ring for saturn. Cut a moon shape from the white cardstock. Hot glue the moon shape to each side the planet.
Pop the balloons and pull them out of each newspaper planet. Puncture a small hole next to the balloon hole and use clear cording to thread through holes, tie a knot and hang!
That’s it! Have your students hang their solar systems for open house night this month!