Learn all about the planets in our solar system with this free Planets Fold-Out Book! Kids will color, cut, and fold to create their own hands-on solar system model while exploring fascinating facts about each planet. Perfect for classroom lessons, homeschool science, or a fun at-home astronomy project!
What Is the Planets Fold-Out Book?
This interactive, hands-on solar system project helps kids visualize and understand how planets orbit the Sun. Each fold-out section features one of the eight planets — Mercury through Neptune — with quick, easy-to-read facts.
Students will love assembling and unfolding their own solar system model, reinforcing key NGSS concepts like modeling, patterns, and systems in science.
💡Simple DIY scientific models are perfect for kids to explore big concepts!
- Field of Science: Astronomy, Earth & Space Science
- Grade Level: Grades 1–4
Concepts Explored:
- Planets of the solar system
- Order of planets from the Sun
- Planet characteristics (size, color, and composition)
- Modeling planetary systems
💡 It’s an excellent addition to any space, planet, or solar system unit, and pairs perfectly with your Moon Phases Fold-Out Book and All About the Sun Worksheets!
Supplies Needed
- Free Planets Fold-Out Book printable (download below)
- Scissors
- Glue stick or tape
- Coloring pencils or markers
- Paper fastener (optional for spinner version)
How To Make Your Fold-Out Solar System Model
- Print and Color each planet. Use the planet facts to guide colors (red for Mars, blue for Neptune, etc.).
- Cut Out Planets along the dotted lines.
- Assemble the Fold-Out by gluing or taping the panels together in order from Mercury to Neptune.
- Add Planet Facts to learn what makes each planet unique as you fold and unfold your model.
- Optional Spinner Version: Insert a paper fastener through the center to turn your fold-out into a circular solar system model!
💡 Tip: Encourage kids to label inner and outer planets to see differences in size and type (rocky vs gas/ice giants). Use our Planets Study Guide here.
Planets and Astronomy
Astronomy is the study of celestial objects like planets, stars, and galaxies. A model helps scientists and students understand how these objects move and interact.
In this fold-out activity, kids model the solar system’s order and structure. They’ll discover that:
- Mercury is the smallest and closest planet to the Sun.
- Venus has thick, toxic clouds and extreme heat.
- Earth supports life with air and water.
- Mars shows signs of ancient water.
- Jupiter and Saturn are giant gas planets with rings.
- Uranus tilts on its side.
- Neptune has the strongest winds in the solar systemPlanets Foldouts.
💡 By comparing the planets and building their own solar system model, students gain a deeper understanding of planetary science through observation and construction — two key NGSS practices. Try this solar system diorama too.
NGSS Guiding Question
| NGSS Question | Concept Focus |
|---|---|
| How can we use models to represent objects in space? | Models show relative positions, orbits, and differences among planets. |
| What patterns can we observe among the planets? | Inner planets are smaller and rocky; outer planets are large and gaseous. |
| How does the Sun influence the solar system? | The Sun’s gravity keeps planets in orbit and provides light and heat. |
Planets Extension Activities
🔎 Check out our complete Astronomy for Kids collection here.
- Write a short paragraph comparing two planets (e.g., Earth vs Mars). Free planet coloring pages.
- Create a Planet Research Mini-Poster using NASA images.
- Combine with the Moon Phases Fold-Out Book for a complete astronomy week.
- Add our DIY Star Projector or Constellation Viewer to extend night-sky exploration.
- Learn about the parts of the sun to complement learning about the moon.
Download the Free Planets Fold-Out Book
Get your free printable Planets Fold-Out Book below and start building your own hands-on solar system model today!
Printable Science Packs for Kids
Visit our SHOP for easy-to-print STEM and science lesson plans for the whole year. Or join us in the Little Bins Club.
