After a discussion of the solar system, instruct students to create an experience using a cardboard box. Begin by dividing the class into small groups. Distribute various recreational balls from golf, tennis and ping-pong. Give each group a large cardboard box with a lid. Tell the groups to be creative as they look for other possible planet representations. Allow the students to paint the balls or other materials to resemble the planets. Instruct students to paint the inside of the box black and attach glow-in-the-dark stars to the sides. Students could also write the planet's name on each ball using a glow-in-the-dark marker. Tell students to hang the balls from the top of the box in the order of the planets. Finally, assist the groups in cutting a small hole in the side of the box so that observers can view the model.
Tell students that they will create a 3-D model of the solar system using pipe cleaners to represent how the planets revolve around the sun. Pipe cleaners are inexpensive and work well as they can be easily twisted to create longer rings. Instruct students to draw representations of the planets on card stock. Next, students should cut out the planets and attach them to the pipe cleaners using clear tape. Discuss information about the galaxy and how the sun's gravity is actually responsible for keeping the planets in their orbits with students.
Students will enjoy creating a mobile that can be hung as a decoration in the classroom and eventually in their rooms. Divide the class into groups of three or four students. Tell students that they will use the round piece of cardboard from a frozen pizza. Distribute construction paper and scissors to the groups. Explain that they should cut out representations of the planets and sun from the construction paper. Encourage students to draw rings on the under side of the cardboard to get the proper distance from the sun and an even weight distribution. Finally, instruct students to use string to dangle the planets and sun from the cardboard.
Review key language arts skills with a writing assignment. Tell students that they are to write a story involving the solar system. Give various stipulations according to the material currently being covered in English class. For example, students should write from a first-person point of view, think creatively and remember to use proper punctuation. Students should be encouraged to share their stories with the class when they have finished.