Solar System Model in a Jar

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Want a fun solar system project for your kids?  Try this Solar System Model in a jar! It is tons of fun to make and then continue to play with after. So, if you have a space unit in your future, you should definitely read on!

I recently received a cool book, The Mason Jar Scientist from another blogger over at Schooling Active Monkeys. Since we are big science fans around here, I was excited to tryout some of the projects from it.  I want to share one of those projects here w

How to Make a Solar System Model in a Jar

Supplies Needed:

Air-Dry Clay
Fishing Line
Empty Jar
Hot Glue or Super Glue
Toothpicks

Begin by using your clay to create the planets. We used air dry clay because it is very light weight and will hang and float easily. In the book The Mason Jar Scientist, she gives tips for the sizing of the planets to make them the correct proportions.

You can look up the planets online to get the colors close to the real planets, too!

Once the planets are complete, poke a hole halfway into them with a toothpick. Let them dry with the toothpicks in them to make sure the hole stays.

The clay takes 24-48 hours for the clay to dry, so be prepared for that!

Remove the toothpicks and attach fishing line or other clear/white thread.  You want them to look like they are floating or orbiting in the jar!  Put a small dab of glue into the hole you made with the toothpicks and put your thread into the hole. Allow the glue to dry.

The length of the fishing line you use will depend on the size of your jar, but cut them at varying lengths to have the planets hanging at different heights.

Glue the other end of the thread to the lid of the jar. Spread the planets out a bit on the lid.

Once everything is dry, you can screw the lid onto your jar.  Be gentle because they can tangle easily.

Isn’t this a cool way to make a solar system model?

More Solar System and Space Activities

See more fun science projects in a jar in my post Science in a Jar.

Check out more of my space and solar system activities:

Printable Constellation Cards
Solar System Unit
Star Viewer Craft
Shooting Star Spinner