Outer Space Resource Roundup
We’re back with a space-themed educational resource roundup we think you’re going to have fun with! This month, our Play Labs are focused on the fascinating world of outer space. To enhance the playful learning we’re doing in the Lab, we’ve rounded up these FREE printables and outer space-themed activities.
Download a FREE planet-themed playdough mat. It's a great way to create three-dimensional models and practice the order of the planets.
Download your own space-themed coloring sheet, illustrated by artist Chelsea Mason, owner of Pulp & Pigment Art Studio in Wendell, NC.
To enhance what we’ve been learning in Play Labs, we’re sharing some of our favorite videos that explain the planets in our solar system: “The Solar System Planets” by Happy Learning TV and “The Planets” song by Storybots.
These planet-themed spinning tops, by Charms Woodworks, are a great way to learn through play about our solar system, practice planet sequencing, and improve fine motor skills. The spinning tops represent different sizes and weights of the planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Kids can sort them, learn about weight and balance by recording which top needs the biggest twist to begin spinning, and which top spins the longest and fastest. Older children can use the spinning tops to replicate planet distances.
Photo by Sandy Everett Photography
An easy way to create the solar system is to use food you have around the house. We got creative for Earth, which is part of a blue airhead candy cut into a circle and tiny bits of green grape. Saturn’s rings aren’t exactly delectable (a slice of red onion) but it made snack time fun!
Learn about outer space and moon phases through process art. Start by cutting up a circular sponge to present moon phases. The sponges give the moon a crater texture and cutting sponges is a great way to practice scissor skills.
Another idea is to create water-resist galaxies. Draw with a white crayon and use watercolor paint to color over it.
Check out our free printable game of Lunar Dominoes. We recommend printing on card stock, then cutting out and playing like regular dominoes (looking for matches, building off of last play). Or these can simply be used as a matching game. Either way, we hope you’ll enjoy!
Anyone else get a kick out of repurposing toys? We love rescuing toys and giving them a new life, especially the ones with missing parts or the raggedy ones that were destined for the donation bin anyway.
This planet puzzle is a repurposed Melissa and Doug cookie set. The original set included wooden discs that were attached with Velcro to the cookie sheet. To repurpose as a solar system puzzle, we attached a piece of felt to the backside of each planet picture. Then we added orbit lines with a dry-erase marker and a wooden hamburger bun to stand in for the sun.
If you give these a try, we’d love to see. Tag us on Instagram (@kidlabraleigh) or leave a comment below.