Solar System Torch DIY is a fun kids’ seek-and-find activity for preschoolers and kindergartners to learn about the planets, their characteristics, names, and orbits.
Has your child ever wondered about the mysteries of space? What about the planets that comprise our solar system? There is something fascinating, captivating, and intriguing about the Universe!
Although Cosmos appears empty and dark, it sparkles with thousands of mysterious glittering lights. Also, while purportedly infinite, the universe keeps expanding! It holds billions of galaxies, each containing millions of stars!
And although the space between stars and galaxies is largely empty, it contains dust particles, radiation (e.g., light and heat), magnetic fields and high-energy particles (e.g., cosmic rays).
Thus, inspired by our favorite My First Discoveries series, In The Sky, I made this fun kids’ seek-and-find activity to explore the unknown!
Our “Solar system” – what does it mean?
“Solar” means “of the Sun,” and a “system” is a collection of objects that interact with one another to form a whole – that is, the fundamental interaction for each object is the one it has with the Sun.
There are many different types of objects found in the solar system: a star (our Sun), planets, moons, dwarf planets, asteroids, comets, dust, and gas.
The Sun comprises over 99.8% of the Solar System’s mass (being the biggest object in our system), with Jupiter (The Gas Giant) accounting for most of the remaining mass.
All objects in our Solar System orbit the Sun – that is, they move around in elliptical orbits. The Sun exerts an enormous gravitational pull, keeping the orbits of these objects, called the ecliptic planes, roughly the same, thus preventing a collision or any object from going astray.
YOU’LL NEED for this Solar System DIY:
- a zip lock bag (I am using a quart size)
- permanent markers
- white and black construction paper
Instructions:
First, use a marker to draw planets on a ziplock bag.
Next, make a torchlight from white and black paper as shown in a video.
Lastly, place a black sheet of paper inside your ziplock to ‘hide’ the planets and let your child explore the dark cosmos!⠀
Discuss planets’ names, their relative size, and unique characteristics such as the Great Red Spot of Jupiter!
Skills Practiced during SOLAR SYSTEM TORCH DIY
- hand-eye coordination
- bilateral coordination (when holding the bag with one hand and moving the torch with the other)
- fine motor control
- dexterity
You can see this DIY on Instagram HERE
AGE 3Y+ Always supervise your children!
See HERE Solar-System-Space-black-bean-Sensory-Bin-Play-Tray
FOR MORE TORCH FLASHLIGHT DIYS
Ghost Flashlight DIY
5 Little Pumpkins Flashlight DIY
Have you read the 5 Little Pumpkins book? Both of my kids love it so I decided to make a fun seek and find sensory bag! It is so easy to make and it’s so fun! Especially for Fall and Halloween!
FOR MORE COSMOS SPACE Kids Activities
See HERE our entire COSMOS SPACE Kids Activities unit study, where I have lots of activities you can do with your little one to keep them fascinated about stars, planets, and even galaxies! Find slime recipes, crafts, and more!
