Space Unit for Kids: Hands-On Astronomy with Printable Solar System
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Looking for engaging ways to teach kids about space? This hands-on space unit for kids includes creative STEM projects, science activities, constellation crafts, and book recommendations to bring the wonders of the solar system to life. Whether you’re a homeschool parent or a classroom teacher, these space-themed activities are a blast for early elementary students!
Space Unit for Kids
Start With a Space Story
We kicked off our space unit by reading Me and My Place in Space by Joan Sweeney, a fantastic introduction to the planets and the child’s place in the universe. This book helps kids visualize their location—from their street, to their country, to the solar system.
Solar System Floor Activity (with Printable!)
After the story, we explored the solar system using my cut-out printable planet cards. We spread them across the floor and worked together to put the planets in the correct order from the sun.
Toilet Paper Scale Model of the Solar System
Next, we made a 100-sheet toilet paper solar system model to show kids the vast distances between planets. We used out printable plates to set this up. Download them below.
How to Set It Up:
- Unroll 100 squares of toilet paper.
- Place the planets according to this scale:
| Planet | Distance (squares from sun) |
|---|---|
| Mercury | 1 |
| Venus | 1.8 |
| Earth | 2.5 |
| Mars | 3.8 |
| Jupiter | 13.2 |
| Saturn | 24.2 |
| Uranus | 48.6 |
| Neptune | 76.3 |
| Pluto | 100 |
This simple activity offers a powerful visual of planetary spacing and teaches about scale and spatial reasoning.
Download my planets & instructions here:
Learning About Famous Astronomers
We briefly explored the work of Copernicus and Galileo—two scientists who revolutionized our understanding of space by proposing that the planets orbit the sun (heliocentrism), not Earth. We tied this into our earlier Galileo Star Viewercraft, which makes a great follow-up activity!
Exploring Constellations Through Art
To end our space unit, we studied constellations using:
-
The Kids Book of the Night Sky – A wonderful blend of mythology, astronomy, and hands-on activities
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Printable constellation cards (you can find several free options online)
Constellation Craft for Kids:
Supplies:
- Printable constellation templates
- Hole punch
- Dark construction paper
- Yellow or white crayons
- Star stickers
Instructions:
- Punch holes in the printable constellation cards.
- Place them on dark paper and mark the holes.
- Connect the dots with crayons and add star stickers to complete the constellation.
Bonus: Use the Star Walk app to help kids identify real constellations in the sky from your location!
Why Space Units Matter
A space unit helps kids:
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Understand scale and distance
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Learn scientific vocabulary (orbit, gravity, constellation, galaxy)
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Explore STEM and STEAM topics
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Spark curiosity and critical thinking
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Make cross-curricular connections through art, math, history, and science
It turned out to be a really fun activity that I think the kids will remember. It will also spark their interest and make them want to learn more about the sky!
See more of my space themed activities:
Astronaut Easy Reader Book for Kindergarten
Space STEM: Shooting Star Spinner Toy
Jumbo Crayon Solar System Model
9 Fun Kids Astronomy Activities for Teaching
What a great space unit that you put together! I love the toilet paper activity!
Karyn, I loved this activity. While I was student teaching many, many years ago…I taught 6th grade student about different ways that the earth moves creating earth quakes. And I used a three layer peanut butter and jelly sandwich. each slice of bread represented a layer of the earth and the PBJ represented layers of the earth. Then we cur our sandwiches in half and begin to demonstrate the types of earthquakes.
On a side note…how do I get connected to your blog so that I can receive regular updates?
Great space unit. I love all the hands on activities you need. I’m pinning this post for future reference.
This is awesome! I LOVE the toilet paper solar system! Thanks so much for linking up with Montessori Monday. I featured your post at the Living Montessori Now Facebook page and pinned it to my Astronomy Unit Study Board at http://pinterest.com/debchitwood/astronomy-unit-study/
My youngest grandson would have loved this when he was little. He loves anything to do with physics.
Wow, just wow! I know my kids are going to LOVE these activities. Thank you SOOOOO much for sharing!
Thanks for all of the these great ideas. I like the way you scaled the solar system with toilet paper. Such an abstract concept for children.
Also appreciate the link to the printables.
I’m going to pin these ideas to my geography for kids unit!
This is awsome!! I am preparing my next week lesson. Where did you find the templates for the constellations?
Thanks for sharing your work!!
It’s linked there in the post- a website called Mrs. Home Economist. Good luck!! 🙂
Just a quick note- Pluto is not classified as a planet anymore. Cool activity though with the toilet paper. I will try it!
I love this! I teach pre-K and each Friday we do what we call “Field Work Friday” where we do some sort of hands on fieldwork to really dig in deeper to what we are studying. I am excited to use your toilet paper demonstration with my students for this week’s fieldwork, tomorrow. I think they will love it!
Hi thanks so much for this activity idea. Just a bit confused on the instructions. It says to roll out 100 squares but from the picture it looks as though the indicated number of squares related to each planet is a measurement from one plante to the following planet, not a distance from the sun. This would result in the numbers being added together instead of a total of one hundred
Venus is at 1.8 squares from the sun
Earth is at 2.5 squares
Mars is at 3.8 squares
Jupiter is at 13.2 squares
Saturn is at 24.2 squares
Uranus is at 48.6 squares
Neptue is at 76.3 squares
Pluto is at 100 squares
Could you be so kind as to orient me. Maybe im just sleep deprived hahaha. It is a great idea
I was confused about this too….. did you get a response?
Hey! It says download printable here but there’s just a blank spot. Is it still available? Thanks!!