Printable Solar System Mobile
The Printable Solar System Mobile was specifically created to accommodate a large multi-age co-op class. While viewing a Solar System slideshow, our science co-op colored, cut, glued, and constructed a paper mobile. Though this mobile is not a typical mobile with moving pieces, it does feature hanging planets and two sides. The purpose of this mobile is to put the planets in order from closest to farthest away from the Sun. Since we discussed each planet as we attached them to our mobile, this activity was one that kept hands busy so minds could focus on the topic instead of elsewhere.
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How to Make the Solar System Mobile
As you can see from our finished mobile, the Printable Solar System Mobile isn’t too difficult to create and doesn’t require a crazy supply list. You will need crayons/colored pencils, scissors, glue, tape, and string of some kind. That’s it!
Start with the Sun
After printing, cut around both of your suns. On the backside of one of them, tape a long piece of yarn or string (about 5 feet). Tape another piece of looped string to the backside of the sun so that the loop comes out the top. This loop will be used later to hang your mobile.
Next, glue the two suns together. You will lay the second sun on top of the first so that the string is inside the sun sandwich, so to speak. This will be the top of your mobile. The loop you made is how you will hang it.
Cut and Color Planets & More
Now, your student will cut out the 2 sided planet cards and fold them. Refer to the picture if you are confused as to where to cut and where to fold. Red lines indicate cutting, while yellow lines represent a fold.
After you cut and fold your planet cards, take some time to color them appropriately. For instance, color Uranus and Neptune a blue hue to represent the blue methane in their composition. Since Mars has iron oxide, a red shade would suit it well. Once colored, the cards are ready to be attached to your mobile. This is easy to do, but not very easy to explain. It doesn’t help that I forgot to take a picture of this next step! So, I hope you understand the instructions 🙂
Complete Mobile by Attaching Planets & More
First, attach the Genesis 1:1 scripture card by dropping about 3 inches from the sun on the attached string. Take the card and slide the string inside of it. Using a small piece of tape, adhere the string to the inside of the planet card. Now, use stick glue to close the planet card around the string. Do this for all of the planet cards starting with Mercury and ending with Neptune. Don’t forget to put the Asteroid Belt in between Mars and Jupiter.
Check out our whole SOLAR SYSTEM UNIT
In our SOLAR SYSTEM UNIT, you will find slideshows, printables, activity sheets, videos, and more!
Food for thought...
Looking for a more permanent science curriculum? Even though we pursue various science units that encompass labs and such, we also use a science textbook each year. Some might say that our science units supplement our textbook, while others would say the opposite to be true. The labs, experiments, graphic organizers, videos, and other activities bring the textbook information to life.
We use Abeka Science textbooks. I love that they incorporate God and His sovereignty into their curriculum. When I taught in the public school system, I noticed that many of my students were lacking in vocabulary. This made it difficult for them to understand the why behind many of our investigations. Unfortunately, they were deficient in their background knowledge. Our science time would be lacking too if it weren’t for the rich vocabulary and science language that we find in our science textbook and readers. If you are interested in shopping for a full-time science curriculum or even just a textbook to guide you, click on the following link! Happy homeschooling!
More FREE Science Units
