Painting the Solar System

Using paints or crayons to draw the solar system is always a fun activity for kids.

clipart by www.graphicsfactory.com

Another fun way to paint a picture of the solar system is to use Microsoft's Paint Program which is a simple graphic painting program that is part of the Microsoft Windows Program.  It is usually called MS Paint or Microsoft Paint or Paint. It has artistic brushes that the kids can use to make some really coooool pictures. They can save the pictures on the computer, print them out, or email their pictures to family and friends! I'd love to receive more kids' pictures to add to this post!  Send me the kids' pictures. I'll add them here!

Here are some pictures created on the computer in the Microsoft Paint Program:

Another fun way to draw the solar system is to use chalk and your driveway or sidewalk. I've also done this with kids at the park on the concrete. Kids love it because they can make their pictures really BIG! It's also a nice recess activity in the schoolyard.

Solar System Crafts

A Solar System Diorama is a fun activity for kids to make. (Plus it's a great use for your old shoe boxes or other empty boxes!) Some supplies you might consider having the kids use are styrofoam balls, clay, or construction paper. Also paint, crayons, or markers.

The diorama can display the Sun and all 8 planets or even just the Sun, Earth, and Moon.

clipart by www.graphicsfactory.com

A Solar System Mobile is another fun activity! A plastic hanger, some yarn, construction paper, scissors, and crayons/markers/colored pencils should be enough to get the kids started.

Remind the kids to consider the sizes of the Sun, Earth, Moon, and other planets relative to each other as they create their masterpieces!

They could also label each planet, etc.

Students could use science books or the internet for research.

Gravity Video

If the kids like watching short videos, here's another good one from Brain POP on GRAVITY!

 Click here: Gravity

Solar System Word Search & Crossword Puzzle

Kids usually like doing word searches and crossword puzzles. It's a great way to introduce or review the essential vocabulary for a unit on the Solar System or any other topic.

You can visit Learning Workroom's website for a FREE Solar System Word Search and Crossword Puzzle that you can download and print.

Click Here: http://www.learningworkroom.com

Go to: "Free Worksheets"

clipart by www.graphicsfactory.com

The Solar System - Introduction

clipart by www.GraphicsFactory.com

It's a new month so I'm going to start a new topic!  This month we can share ideas on teaching about the SOLAR SYSTEM. So please share your fun ideas for science, math, or ELA that relate to this theme.

One of the best authorities on this subject is NASA!

To get us started here is a LINK to a NASA website for kids:

Click Here:  NASA KIDS' CLUB

On the left side of the website you will be able to choose the appropriate grade level for each child.

• Grades K-4
• Grades 5-8
• Grades 9-12

Have lots of  fun!