Character
Citizenship
Communication
Collaboration
Critical Thinking
Creative Thinking
Grade Level -4th Grade
SOL/Standard - Science 4.5: The student will investigate and understand that the planets have characteristics and a specific place in the solar system. Key ideas include
b) planets have characteristics and a specific order in the solar system;
In this science activity, 4th graders will harness the durable skill of Creative Thinking to craft paper mâché models of the planets, culminating in a detailed representation of our solar system. Through this hands-on project, students will achieve several key objectives: they will investigate and understand the unique characteristics and specific order of the planets within the solar system. By creating these models and researching planet information, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate dynamics of our cosmic neighborhood, all while fostering their creativity and enhancing their understanding of planetary science.
"I really liked making the paper mache planets because it was super fun and messy! We learned about all the planets in the solar system, like how big they are and what they're made of. I think being #LifeReady means knowing a lot of stuff and being able to do things on my own. This project helped me become more #LifeReady because I learned how to work with my friends and make cool things. Now I know more about space and feel smarter!"
"The paper mache project on planets provided a hands-on, creative way for students to engage with the solar system. By crafting their own models of the planets, students not only learned about each planet's unique characteristics but also developed an understanding of scale, distance, and the structure of our solar system. This activity allowed them to explore scientific concepts in a tangible and memorable way, reinforcing their knowledge of astronomy while encouraging teamwork and problem-solving.
The project contributed to the students becoming more LifeReady by fostering skills such as creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. They learned how to plan, execute, and refine their ideas, and gained confidence in their ability to present their work. The experience also taught them the importance of attention to detail and persistence, valuable skills that extend beyond the classroom.
Our favorite part of this learning experience was watching the students’ excitement as their models came to life. Seeing them collaborate and share their discoveries about the planets—whether it was the massive size of Jupiter or the icy surface of Neptune—showed me how deeply engaged they were in the process. It was a rewarding moment that highlighted the power of hands-on learning."
Elizabeth Holladay Elementary JES
Thank you to Henrico Education Foundation (HEF) and the following teacher innovators who made this event possible:
Alyssun Scuderi, Innovative Learning Coach
Alexandra Hines, 4th Grade Teacher
Allison Kreck, 4th Grade Teacher
Brianna Perkins, 4th Grade Teacher