Space Art (courtesy of NASA Kids)

return to resources

Poster

What you need:
  • Two pieces of construction paper (9" x 12")
  • One piece of yellow construction paper
  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • Planet cut-outs (go to cutouts)
  • Coloured pencils or crayons
Here's what you do:

 
1. Fold the construction paper in half like a hot dog bun. Repeat this step with the other piece of paper.

 		John folding paper in half
2. Cut the paper in half along the fold. Repeat this step with the other piece of paper.Jim cutting paper on the fold
3. Make a long single strip. Glue one end of one strip of paper to the end of another. Overlap the paper strips just a little. Add the other strips. Let the glue dry.Jim gluing paper strips together
 


4. Print out the planet cut-outs page. Cut along the dotted lines of each planet from the cut-out page.



 		John cutting planets out of paper


5. Draw a circle on the yellow construction paper. Cut out the circle. This is the Sun. Glue the Sun on one end of the strip of paper.



 		John drawing a circle around a salad plate


6. Put the planets in order from the Sun on the strip of paper. Hint: My Very Educated Mama Just Served Us Nine Pizzas. Remember My= Mercury and Mama = Mars.

8. Glue each planet in place.

9. Have a parent help you find a place to tape your poster on a wall. Now people can see your solar system poster!

 		John gluing planets in place on his poster

 
 
John showing off his finished poster
Image above: Eight-year-old John shows off his poster. John is in the 3rd grade at Weatherly Elementary School. Credit: NASA
Mobile

What you need:
  • Yellow construction paper
  • Scissors
  • Tape
  • Planet cut-outs (go to cutouts)
  • Coloured pencils or crayons
  • Hanger
  • Yarn or string

 
Here's what you do:

 
1. Print out the planet cut outs.

2. Cut each of the planets out of the paper.

 		Jim cutting planets out of paper
3. Draw a big circle on the yellow paper. Cut it out to make the Sun.John drawing a circle around a salad plate
4. Cut the yarn or string into different lengths. You will need one for each planet and the Sun.Jim cutting string
 


5. Tape a piece of yarn or string to each planet. Don't forget the Sun!

6. Tie the other end of the string onto the hanger. The planets should hang down.

7. Hang your mobile up so everyone can see your solar system!



 		Jim taping string to the paper cut-out of a Sun

 
 
Jim holding his solar system mobile
Image above: Jim shows off his solar system mobile. Jim is 8 years old and is in the 3rd grade at Weatherly Elementary. Credit: NASA

Picture Cutouts