How to explain the space device to a child? To tell, for example, that the Earth is simultaneously turning around its axis and around the Sun. And at the same time, the Moon revolves around the Earth. Explanations “on the fingers” of children will not be able to understand due to age, because they still have poorly developed spatial and abstract thinking. The best way to convey this information is the layout of the solar system. So the child will see and remember the location of the planets, their approximate size relative to each other. A more complex moving structure will give a visual representation of the rotation of stellar giants. A model of the solar system can be bought, but can be done at home.
How to make a model of the solar system with your own hands ?
Before proceeding with the manufacture of the planets, we need to decide on the basis of the design. You can cut a large circle from thick thick cardboard, or you can use a plastic children's hoop. They come in several sizes, the larger you choose, the more spectacular the finished layout of the solar system will turn out.
Now let's take care of the planets. We will make them from papier-mâché.
We will need:
- old newspapers;
- paste;
- art primer;
- paints;
- Balloons;
- small balls.
Balls will be the basis of small planets and satellites, they must first be wrapped with cling film or put inside a plastic bag and tie. For large planets, inflate balloons.
We tear off small pieces from the newspaper, dip them into a paste and stick them on the base in three or four layers. Set the balls aside so that they dry out, in a day add another two or three layers of newspapers. Drying our planets again. We get the foundation. To do this, pierce the balls in large planets, cut the small ones with a clerical knife, stretch the balls and again glue them using newspapers and a paste.
Now the planets need to be primed and painted. Entrust this activity to the children, they will be very happy and proud, having made a model of the solar system with their own hands. Do not forget that Saturn and Jupiter need to make rings. To do this, cut out a circle from cardboard, make a hole in the center equal to the circumference of paper balls, and glue it to the planets.
How to make a paste?
Recipe 1. Pour three tablespoons of flour into a bowl, add a small amount of cool water and mix. The consistency of the mixture should look like thick sour cream. Bring a glass of water in a small saucepan to a boil, pour the mixture into it and stir until the mass thickens. Cool the paste.
Recipe 2. Soak two teaspoons of starch in a glass of cold water for an hour, then pour into a saucepan and heat on low heat. The paste should become viscous and transparent. Cool it before use.
You can also use wallpaper glue or PVA glue diluted with water as a paste.
Layout of the solar system. Product assembly
To assemble the layout, we need a black fabric, from which we will sew a cover-base. Fold it in half, face inward, apply a children's hoop on top, circle, making allowances for the seam. We sew the cover by inserting a zipper as a fastener. Now we will make orbits to our planets. They can be sewn with a curly seam, made of tape or simply drawn with contour paint. Now we take Velcro Velcro, cut it into pieces of the right size, approximately 2 * 3 centimeters, stick one side to the planets, the second - adjust to the cover. The layout of the solar system is ready.