Materials
- 1 large shallow plastic tray or bin, about 35–45 cm diameter
- Black sensory filler (black beans, lentils, or aquarium gravel), 3–4 cups
- 9 flat planet cutouts or laminated planet images, 4–6 cm diameter
- 1 yellow foam circle or felt circle for the Sun, 6–7 cm diameter
- White glue or glitter glue, 1 small bottle
- Small pebbles or chickpeas, about ½ cup (asteroid details)
- Silver star confetti or stickers, 10–15 pieces
- Laminator or clear tape (optional, for durability)
Instructions
- Pour the black filler evenly into the tray, smoothing the surface with your hand.
- Use glue to draw circular orbit lines directly on top of the filler, working from the center outward.
- Place the Sun in the center, then position planet cutouts along each orbit.
- Scatter small pebbles and star confetti to suggest asteroids and background stars.
- Let children move planets freely, trace orbits, and talk through colors, names, or positions at their own pace.