The solar system is one of the most exciting topics students can explore — it combines science, creativity, and hands-on learning.
Whether you’re a middle school student looking for a fair project, a high-schooler preparing a presentation, or a teacher planning classroom activities, this article gives you 25 well-explained solar system project ideas you can complete with everyday materials.
Each idea includes an objective, list of materials, step-by-step procedure, expected results or observations, suggested grade level, difficulty, and extension ideas. The projects are designed to be clear, safe, and informative — so you can copy, paste, and start planning immediately.
Read through the ideas, pick the one that fits your time and resources, and use the “how to present” tips later in this article to make your display or report stand out.
Must Read: 49+ Leaf Craft Ideas for School Project 2026
Quick tips before you start
- Choose by time and difficulty: Projects list estimated times and difficulty to help you pick. If you have limited time, choose something labeled “Short (1–3 hours).”
- Safety first: Use adult supervision for anything involving heat, sharp tools, or chemicals (e.g., dry ice, batteries, or hot glue).
- Document everything: Take photos while you work, keep notes of measurements and observations, and prepare a short report describing your hypothesis, method, results, and conclusion.
- Cite sources: If you look up facts (planet sizes, distances, orbital periods), cite where you got that data.
- Presentation: Use diagrams, labeled models, or short videos to explain your project.
What is the Solar System? (Short overview for students)
The solar system consists of the Sun and all objects bound to it by gravity: eight planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune), dwarf planets (like Pluto), moons, asteroids, comets, and interplanetary dust and gas.
The Sun is a star that provides light and heat, driving planetary climates and chemistry. Studying the solar system helps us understand planetary formation, gravity, atmospheres, and the possibility of life beyond Earth.
How to present a successful school project
- Title and Objective: Short, clear title and a one-line objective.
- Hypothesis/Question: What are you testing or demonstrating?
- Materials and Methods: Exact list and step-by-step procedure.
- Results/Observations: Show data, photos, or drawings.
- Conclusion: What did you learn? Was your hypothesis supported?
- Extras: Add a poster, model, or small demo and a one-minute elevator pitch.
- References: Books, websites, or teacher notes used.
25 Solar System Project Ideas
Below are 25 project ideas. Each includes objective, materials, method, expected observations, grade level, difficulty, estimated time, and extensions.
1. Scaled Solar System Model (Using a Long Corridor or Field)
Objective: Show relative sizes and distances of planets using scale.
Materials: Measuring tape, chalk or string, index cards, markers, different sized balls (or printouts).
Procedure:
- Choose scale (e.g., 1 mm = 1000 km).
- Calculate scaled diameters and distances from the Sun for each planet.
- Mark the Sun at one end and measure out each planet’s position, placing a labeled object at each mark.
- Record the scaled distance and diameter on cards.
Expected Results: Students visually see how far planets are from the Sun relative to their sizes (huge empty space beyond Mars).
Grade Level: 6–12
Difficulty: Medium
Time: 2–4 hours (preparation + layout)
Extension: Turn into a walking tour with facts at each planet; compare different scales (classroom vs. field).
2. Planet Density Lab (Which Planet Would Float?)
Objective: Compare relative densities of models representing rocky and gas planets.
Materials: Water tank or large basin, oil, wax balls, polystyrene balls, clay, metal washers, scale, calculator.
Procedure:
- Create “planet models” from materials that mimic density (clay for rock, hollow balls for gas giants).
- Measure mass and calculate volume (for spheres use volume formula or water displacement).
- Compute density = mass/volume.
- Test buoyancy in water or oil.
Expected Results: Denser objects sink; gas giant models (lower density) may float, demonstrating Jupiter’s low average density.
Grade Level: 7–12
Difficulty: Medium
Time: 2–3 hours
Extension: Compare computed densities to real planets; discuss composition and internal structure.
3. Crater Formation Experiment
Objective: Simulate impact craters and observe how mass and speed affect crater size.
Materials: Tray with flour and cocoa powder layers (to show cross-section), marbles of different masses, ruler, protractor, drop platform.
Procedure:
- Fill tray with a packed layer of flour topped with a thin dusting of cocoa.
- Drop marbles from different heights (use measured platform).
- Measure crater diameter and depth after each impact.
- Record data in a table and plot height vs. crater size.
Expected Results: Greater mass and higher impact speed produce larger craters; ejecta patterns visible.
Grade Level: 5–10
Difficulty: Easy–Medium
Time: 1–2 hours
Extension: Use different surface materials (sand, clay) to show how surface composition affects crater formation.
4. Build a Working Orrery (Mechanical Model of Planetary Motion)
Objective: Create a mechanical model showing orbital motion and relative speeds.
Materials: Cardboard, skewers, wooden dowels, gears (or simple pulleys), paint.
Procedure:
- Design gear ratios to match orbital periods (approximate).
- Mount planets on rotating arms attached to the gears/dowels.
- Drive the Sun hub and observe relative planetary motion.
Expected Results: Inner planets orbit faster than outer planets; demonstrates orbital resonance visually.
Grade Level: 8–12
Difficulty: Hard (requires planning & tools)
Time: Several days (design/build)
Extension: Add tilt to show seasons (Earth) or moons orbiting planets.
5. Compare Planetary Atmospheres (Pressure and Composition Demo)
Objective: Demonstrate how atmosphere composition and pressure affect temperature and boiling points.
Materials: Vacuum pump with chamber (or DIY bell jar), thermometer, small container of water, data table, charts of real planetary atmospheres.
Procedure:
- Place water in chamber, reduce pressure and measure boiling point change.
- Discuss atmospheric composition differences (CO₂ on Mars/Venus vs. nitrogen/oxygen on Earth).
Expected Results: Lower pressure leads to lower boiling points; explains why water behaves differently on different planets.
Grade Level: 9–12
Difficulty: Medium–Hard (requires equipment)
Time: 1–2 hours
Extension: Calculate scale pressure values to mimic Mars or Venus; simulate greenhouse effect using a sealed container and lamp.
6. Solar System Mobile with Data Cards
Objective: Build a hanging mobile showing planets with key data (period, diameter, moons).
Materials: Foam balls, paint, string, hanger, index cards.
Procedure:
- Paint and label each foam ball as a planet.
- Attach strings to a central hanger at different lengths.
- Create index cards containing a few facts and attach them near each planet.
Expected Results: Visual and tactile aid to learn planet facts.
Grade Level: 4–8
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 2–3 hours
Extension: Add orbital speed lines or color-code by composition (rocky vs. gas).
7. Phases of the Moon Model (Lamp + Styrofoam Ball)
Objective: Explain lunar phases using a light source and sphere.
Materials: Lamp (Sun), Styrofoam ball on stick (Moon), dark room, protractor.
Procedure:
- Place lamp in center; stand at a distance representing Earth.
- Rotate the Moon model around the student (Earth) and observe illuminated portion.
- Mark and label phases: new, crescent, quarter, gibbous, full.
Expected Results: Clear demonstration of why the Moon shows phases and why they repeat regularly.
Grade Level: 3–9
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 30–60 minutes
Extension: Show lunar and solar eclipse geometry; make a time-lapse video.
8. Planetary Temperature Comparison (Chart + Hypothesis)
Objective: Compare surface/atmospheric temperatures among planets and explain differences.
Materials: Research sources, poster board, thermometer (for Earth demo), computer/tablet to gather data.
Procedure:
- Gather data: surface temperatures, atmospheric composition, distance from Sun.
- Create charts correlating temperature with distance and greenhouse effects.
- Explain anomalies (Venus hotter than Mercury due to greenhouse).
Expected Results: Students learn that distance is not the only factor; atmosphere matters.
Grade Level: 6–12
Difficulty: Easy–Medium
Time: 2–4 hours
Extension: Build small greenhouse models to demonstrate the greenhouse effect.
9. Comparing Planetary Orbits (Ellipses & Kepler’s Laws)
Objective: Use string-and-pin method to draw ellipses and model planetary orbits satisfying Kepler’s laws.
Materials: Pins, string, paper, compass, protractor, printed orbital data.
Procedure:
- Use two pins and looped string to draw an ellipse.
- Place a proxy Sun at one focus.
- Mark planet positions for different true anomalies and measure distances and velocities (qualitative).
Expected Results: Visual understanding of elliptical orbits and that planets move faster near perihelion.
Grade Level: 8–12
Difficulty: Medium
Time: 1–2 hours
Extension: Calculate orbital eccentricities from data; link to comets vs. planets.
10. Meteorite vs. Common Rock Identification Kit
Objective: Teach how to identify potential meteorites using tests and features.
Materials: Samples (magnetite, iron, basalt, a real meteorite if available), magnets, streak plate, density scale, magnifier.
Procedure:
- Test magnetism, density, and fusion crust presence.
- Note differences: meteorites often magnetic, heavy for size, show regmaglypts.
Expected Results: Learn identification techniques and what to look for.
Grade Level: 6–12
Difficulty: Medium
Time: 2–3 hours
Extension: Visit a local geology lab or collaborator and compare confirmed meteorites.
11. Solar Oven — Harnessing Solar Energy
Objective: Build a simple solar oven and test ability to heat/cook.
Materials: Cardboard box, aluminum foil, glass or clear plastic cover, black paint, thermometer.
Procedure:
- Construct oven with reflective panels and dark interior.
- Place thermometer and food item (s’mores, nachos) inside and angle toward Sun.
- Record temperature over time.
Expected Results: Demonstrates solar energy concentration and potential heating.
Grade Level: 5–12
Difficulty: Easy–Medium
Time: 1–3 hours plus sunlight testing time
Extension: Compare different insulation materials; discuss solar panels vs. solar thermal.
12. Build a Comet (Dirty Snowball) Simulation
Objective: Model comet composition and how it changes near the Sun.
Materials: Dry ice (with adult supervision), sand, water, ammonia substitute (optional), sugar, gloves, insulated container.
Procedure:
- Mix water, sand, and organic material-like sugar; add small dry ice pieces carefully to show sublimation.
- Place in a tray and gently warm to watch vapor and dust release.
- Discuss coma and tail formation due to solar heating and solar wind.
Expected Results: Visible sublimation and dust release modeling coma/tail.
Grade Level: 8–12
Difficulty: Medium–Hard (needs safety)
Time: 1–2 hours
Extension: Track real comet data and compare tails’ directions relative to the Sun.
13. Gravity Well Demonstration (Fabric and Balls)
Objective: Visualize gravity’s effect on spacetime using a stretched fabric and balls.
Materials: Stretch fabric or spandex, hoop/frame, balls of various masses, marbles.
Procedure:
- Stretch fabric over frame and place a heavy ball (Sun) in center.
- Roll smaller marbles (planets) and observe curved paths and orbit-like motion.
- Change masses and initial speeds to show different trajectories.
Expected Results: Students see how mass curves the fabric and affects orbits.
Grade Level: 6–12
Difficulty: Easy–Medium
Time: 1–2 hours
Extension: Show how binary stars create shared wells; discuss limitations of 2D analogy.
14. Light and Spectra: Identify Elements in Star/Planetary Atmospheres
Objective: Learn how spectroscopy reveals composition.
Materials: Diffraction grating or prism, light sources (LEDs), gas discharge tubes if available, worksheets.
Procedure:
- Use diffraction grating to view emission/absorption lines from different light sources.
- Compare spectral patterns to known element lines.
- Discuss how astronomers use spectra to identify gases on planets and stars.
Expected Results: Recognize that each element produces a unique set of lines.
Grade Level: 9–12
Difficulty: Medium
Time: 1–3 hours
Extension: Analyze real planetary spectra data (teacher-provided) or use online spectral databases.
15. Mars Rover Design Challenge (Simple Robot)
Objective: Build a basic rover to travel over simulated Martian terrain.
Materials: Small DC motors, wheels, battery pack, cardboard or lightweight chassis, sensors optional.
Procedure:
- Design and build a chassis and attach motors and wheels.
- Drive rover over obstacle course with sand, rocks, and slopes.
- Time trials and record performance metrics (distance, obstacles cleared).
Expected Results: Learn engineering design, traction issues, and problem-solving.
Grade Level: 7–12
Difficulty: Medium–Hard
Time: Several hours to days
Extension: Add remote-control or simple sensors to autonomously avoid obstacles.
16. Planetary Magnetism: Magnetic Fields and Auroras
Objective: Demonstrate magnetic fields and explain auroras.
Materials: Strong magnets, iron filings, compass, copper wire, power source (battery), small light (LED).
Procedure:
- Use iron filings to map magnetic field lines of magnets.
- Create a simple coil and pass current to show electromagnetism.
- Explain how charged particles interact with planetary magnetic fields to produce auroras.
Expected Results: Visual magnetic lines and basic link to auroral physics.
Grade Level: 7–12
Difficulty: Medium
Time: 1–2 hours
Extension: Discuss why Mars lacks a global magnetic field and how that affects its atmosphere.
17. Jupiter’s Storms: Simulate Atmospheric Bands with Shaving Cream
Objective: Model banded structure and storms due to differential rotation.
Materials: Clear jar, water, shaving cream, food coloring, pipette, spoon.
Procedure:
- Fill jar with water; layer shaving cream on top.
- Drop colored dye and swirl gently to simulate jets and storms.
- Observe banding and mixing behaviors.
Expected Results: Analog for turbulence and banding of gas giants.
Grade Level: 6–12
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 30–60 minutes
Extension: Compare to images of Jupiter and Saturn; discuss Coriolis effect.
18. Build a Planetary Habitability Chart
Objective: Create a chart rating planets for habitability based on multiple factors.
Materials: Poster board, research data (temperature, atmosphere, water, radiation), scoring rubric.
Procedure:
- Define criteria (temperature, presence of atmosphere, liquid water, radiation levels).
- Assign scores for each planet and compute an overall habitability score.
- Present with justification and discuss Earth’s unique combination of traits.
Expected Results: Understand multi-factor nature of habitability.
Grade Level: 7–12
Difficulty: Easy–Medium
Time: 2–4 hours
Extension: Apply rubric to exoplanets found in data sets.
19. Observe and Record Planetary Motions (Night Sky Log)
Objective: Track planets over several weeks to observe motion relative to stars.
Materials: Notebook, star chart app or printed map, binoculars or small telescope, camera optional.
Procedure:
- Choose a planet visible in your location and record position nightly or weekly.
- Note retrograde motion when applicable (e.g., Mars).
- Plot positions against background stars.
Expected Results: See apparent motion, conjunctions, and retrograde loops.
Grade Level: 6–12
Difficulty: Easy–Medium
Time: Several weeks (observation-based)
Extension: Use simple astrometry to compute angular speed and compare to predicted ephemerides.
20. Build a Planetary Surface Map (Topography Model)
Objective: Create relief maps of planet surfaces (Mars, Moon) to learn about craters, valleys, and plains.
Materials: Clay, plaster, elevation data printouts or images, paints, sculpting tools.
Procedure:
- Use topographic image as guide and sculpt surface features into clay.
- Paint to highlight features and label major landmarks (Olympus Mons, Valles Marineris).
- Explain formation processes for each feature.
Expected Results: Hands-on understanding of planetary geology.
Grade Level: 5–12
Difficulty: Medium
Time: 3–6 hours
Extension: Compare Earth geology vs. Mars; discuss erosion processes.
21. Solar System Timeline (History of Discovery)
Objective: Present discoveries about the solar system in chronological order with key figures and dates.
Materials: Poster board or digital timeline tool, research materials.
Procedure:
- Research milestones (Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler, discovery of Neptune, spacecraft).
- Create a visual timeline with images and short descriptions.
Expected Results: Understand how knowledge built over centuries.
Grade Level: 4–12
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 2–4 hours
Extension: Add future mission plans and predicted discoveries.
22. Simulate Tidal Forces (Water & Spheres)
Objective: Show how gravitational pull from Moon and Sun creates tides on Earth.
Materials: Large clear tray of water, two balls (one small to represent Moon, one larger for Earth), ruler, stopwatch.
Procedure:
- Move the Moon ball near the Earth model and observe water bulging toward the Moon.
- Explain spring and neap tides using Sun-Earth-Moon alignment.
Expected Results: Visualization of tidal bulges and their dependence on alignment.
Grade Level: 6–12
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 30–60 minutes
Extension: Plot real tide tables for local area and compare with lunar phases.
23. Planetary Colors & Spectra Painting Activity
Objective: Recreate planet surfaces using pigment and understand why planets appear different colors.
Materials: Paints, brushes, images of planets, paper, short research notes on composition.
Procedure:
- Research what makes a planet look the color it does (iron oxide on Mars, methane on Uranus/Neptune).
- Paint each planet and write a short caption describing the color cause.
Expected Results: Artistic and scientific understanding of planet appearance.
Grade Level: 3–8
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1–2 hours
Extension: Make a comparative chart of wavelengths absorbed/reflected by planetary materials.
24. Exoplanet Transit Simulation (Light Curve Experiment)
Objective: Simulate a transit and produce a light curve similar to how exoplanets are detected.
Materials: Light source, small disk to simulate planet, light sensor or photometer (or smartphone light app), data recorder.
Procedure:
- Place light source and measure baseline light intensity.
- Move disk across light path and record intensity drop to produce a transit curve.
- Measure transit depth and duration; relate to planet size and orbital period.
Expected Results: Visual light curve with dip during transit—basis of many exoplanet discoveries.
Grade Level: 9–12
Difficulty: Medium
Time: 2–3 hours
Extension: Model multi-planet systems and irregular transit timing variations.
25. Build a Simple Radio Receiver to Listen to Space Signals (Historical/Educational)
Objective: Learn basics of radio astronomy and how spacecraft use radio signals.
Materials: Simple radio kit or crystal radio set, antenna, schematic and instructions.
Procedure:
- Assemble radio receiver following kit instructions.
- Explain how radio telescopes detect non-visible signals from planets and space.
- If possible, tune to known frequencies to hear radio noise (local permissions required).
Expected Results: Understanding electromagnetic spectrum and radio communication.
Grade Level: 9–12
Difficulty: Medium–Hard
Time: Several hours to a few days
Extension: Study real radio images (e.g., Jupiter radio emissions) and compare.
How to document and write your report (student-friendly)
- Title Page: Project title, name, class, date.
- Abstract (50–80 words): One-paragraph summary of what you did and found.
- Introduction: Explain background and purpose.
- Materials and Methods: Exact list and steps so someone else can reproduce your work.
- Results: Tables, photos, charts, and observations.
- Discussion: Explain what the results mean, errors, and improvements.
- Conclusion: One-paragraph wrap-up linking to your objective.
- References and Acknowledgements: Where you got facts and help.
- Appendix: Extra data, calculations, or long tables.
Must Read: 50 Kids Project Ideas — Fun, Easy and Educational Projects for Students
Conclusion (Outro)
Exploring the solar system is rewarding because it connects classroom learning with wonder and real-world science.
The 25 project ideas above offer a range from simple classroom demos to more involved engineering challenges.
Each project encourages critical thinking, creativity, and scientific method practice — critical skills for any student.
Pick one that fits your grade level and time, document everything carefully, and add a clear conclusion to demonstrate your learning.
With a model, experiment, or presentation from this list, you’re ready to impress teachers and classmates while deepening your understanding of how our solar system works.
