Free Printable Solar System Model for Kids

by gabry | May 21, 2012 | Learning Activities

I wanted to create a printable solar system model, something that I could print and put together easily to show my son what planets are in the solar system, which ones are closer or further from the sun and from us and which one is the biggest or the smallest. I chose not to use an actual scale, otherwise it would have been hard to make it printable, but I still tried to give an idea of the different sizes. I also tried to replicate as much as possible the actual colors of the planets as we see them from the earth, to create a realistic effect without using the actual pictures. Here is the result:

Here is how to recreate this simple solar system model:

1) print the free hi-res jpg on cardstock with a color printer (click here for the planets and the arms);

2) cut out the planets and the arms;

3) with a pointy knife or the tip of the scissors make a hole in the center of the sun and on one end of the arms; if you want you can also make a hole on the other hand of the arms and in the center of every single planet, but this is optional;

4) place a metal brad in the middle of the sun and connect all the arms to it before opening it;

5) place the planets at the end of every arm with tape, or with their own brad if you made the holes for it in step 3;

Enjoy!

Gabi