April 28^th is International Astronomy Day. We have an entire category dedicated to Outer Space. Some projects are fun, and others more scientific. Today we have chosen to stick to a more scientific approach. If you would like to find more projects, please click HERE.

There are so many great things we can learn about in Outer Space. Today we have chosen to make a planet, a shooting star, and an entire solar system.

We love star gazing, and our favorites are shooting stars. If you have a classroom, this next project is beautiful when your entire ceiling is covered with these shooting stars.

SHOOTING STARS

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Supplies:

1. Copy of star onto colored paper
2. Copy of spiral pattern onto colored paper
3. Glue
4. Glitter
5. Scissors
6. Cotton swab

Directions:

1. Cut out star.
2. Teach the children to use a cotton swab to spread out glue on star.
3. Pick out a colored glitter, and sprinkle on star.
4. Cut out the paper spiral.
5. Glue the center of spiral to the back of the star, and hang up.

In our next project, we use a fun painting technique to make our own planets. Make sure that when your little artists are finished painting, you ask them to name their planets. They made the discovery, so they get to name it, just like real scientists!

Planet Painting

Supplies:

1. Copy of planet
2. Paint
3. Eye dropper

Directions:

1. Print copy of planet.
2. Use eye dropper to drop paint onto planet.
3. Fold paper in half and gently press.
4. Unfold to reveal the painted planet.

In our last project we are making our own solar system crown. I don’t know about you but, we are tired of the planet ‘Pluto’ playing the Hokey Pokey! Sometimes it’s in as a planet, and sometimes it’s out. When you read this newsletter, if Pluto is back ‘in and shaking all about’, please add the ninth planet back in on this project. At the time of this writing it was out.

This project is great for so many reasons. It helps your little artist learn to count to 8 or 9 – depends on Pluto. This project refines small motor skills while coloring and cutting. Older children can learn the order of the planets. Finally, kids love making things they can wear. Let’s get started on making our own solar system.

Solar System Crown

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Supplies:

1. Copy of planets
2. White card stock paper
3. Markers or Crayons
4. Scissors
5. Glue stick
6. Construction paper 12″x18″

Directions:

1. Print planets onto card stock paper.
2. Color and cut out.
3. Cut a 1″ long strip out of construction paper. Fit to child’s head.
4. Glue planets onto strip of construction paper.
5. Glue the ends of strip of construction paper to form a crown.
6. Wear.

We hope your little artist had fun preparing for International Astronomy Day. I know your little artists are the center of your universe, so be sure to tell them, “You’re so creative!”