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Solar System Sensory Bin with Bouncy Balls

Solar System Sensory Bin with Bouncy Balls

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This page contains full project details. For the summary, please see the Project Summary.

Science Fair Project Description

Introduce kids to the wonders of space with a sensory bin with bouncy balls as planets, glow-in-the-dark stars and black beans as the expanse of space.

Hypothesis

The hypothesis is that a fun sensory bin with planets, stars, the moon and the Sun will give kids a good introduction to the solar system.

Overview

The solar system can be a difficult concept for young kids to grasp because they can't physically see it, except for the stars and the Sun. This sensory bin activity provides an opportunity for them to become familiar with the other planets and the vast space in which our planet Earth is located. They can also see where the stars and the Sun fit into this space.

Scientific Terms

space, planets, moon, sun.

Materials

You will need colorful bouncy balls, glow-in-the-dark stars, a plastic container or tray and enough black beans to cover the container or tray.

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Procedure

1) Fill the container or tray with the black beans.

2) Put the bouncy balls in, with one that represents Earth, a smaller one that represents the moon and the largest one with a yellow, orange or red color that represents the Sun. Put a few more bouncy balls in to represent the other planets.

3) Put the glow-in-the-dark stars in.

4) Let the kids play with the sensory bin while explaining the concept of planets, the moon, the Sun, the stars, and the concept of a very big big area of space. You don't need to introduce the names of the other planets yet. You could explain that the planets orbit around the Sun.

5) At the end of the time, you can turn off the lights or bring the container into a dark room to show the kids the glowing stars.

Conclusion

This is a fun activity for young kids to explore the solar system.

Also consider

Add a space shuttle, rocket or astronaut toy figure to introduce space exploration. Use wild rice (black color) instead of black beans.

Related video

These videos explain the science behind this project and demonstrate key concepts used in the experiment.
These sensory bin ideas with a space theme use the same materials as ours and are perfect for developing hand dexterity and learning the alphabet. Also check out the moon crater project idea using flour and water!
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