Solar system for children
The curiosity of children to learn about everything that surrounds them, even about things that they cannot see with the naked eye, such as the solar system. Hence, the need for parents to be prepared to explain and answer their questions and help them understand such knowledge in a fun way.
In the universe there are innumerable galaxies and within them is the Milky Way. Whose shape is similar to a spiral that contains several arms. This is just the beginning of everything found in the solar system.
What is the solar system?
The solar system is made up of a central star, the sun, and 8 planets, one of which is the earth. In addition to all those elements, there are also satellites of the solar system, asteroids, meteorites, dust, gas, other celestial bodies and the space between them.
There are several theories that explain how it was created. But among the most accepted ones it is known that this planetary ensemble was formed about 4,600 million years ago, after a large cloud of gas and dust collapsed, thanks to the force of gravity.
From there, it is how the sun was formed, since most of that matter was accumulated in a central and hot way. The rest of the dust and gas came together and created the protoplanets, which were later destroyed or merged to make way for the planets of the solar system.
What you should know about the solar system
Although some think that the sun is a planet, the truth is that it is a large star that emits heat and light of its own. Likewise, it is the largest element in the system, it is practically formed by 99.85% of its matter.
Within the orbit of the sun are the 8 planets of the solar system. Which are celestial bodies that do not have their own light, but are the ones that execute the movement of the solar system. These solid bodies move and rotate around the sun, a fact known as translation . Once the earth completes its orbit around the sun in 365 days, a year ends. Similarly, the planets rotate on themselves. This rotation movement on the planet earth lasts 24 hours.
Now, the order of the planets, depending on their distance from the sun, corresponds to Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. The first four are rocky or terrestrial bodies and the rest are gaseous. Get to know a little about them:
rocky planets
Mercury is the closest planet to the sun and not counting dwarf bodies it also happens to be the smallest planet. It contains no satellites close to its orbit and is composed of a rocky shell filled with craters. Its atmosphere is made up of trace amounts of hydrogen and helium.
For its part, Venus can be distinguished at night, as it is very bright. Hence, it is known as the morning star. This is because it contains thick clouds that reflect sunlight.
Earth is the third planet, the place where humans and other species live. In itself, the earth in the solar system is the only one known where there is life. Its structure is made up of a crust, mantle and core. In addition, it is flattened at the poles and its surface is covered with 70% water.
Finally, among the rocky planets is Mars. Its high content of iron oxides gives it the characteristic red color. Its cycles of seasons and periods of rotation are similar to those of the planet earth. In addition, it is worth mentioning that due to low atmospheric pressure, water on Mars is in a solid state. This planet has two irregularly shaped satellites, Phobos and Deimos.
gaseous planets
Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system, it is made up of hydrogen and helium. Within its orbit, 63 moons are sighted, of which Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto stand out.
Saturn on the other hand, contains a ring system made up of rocks and water ice. It also has countless natural satellites, including Hyperion and Iapetus.
Uranus is a very cold planet, since it is quite far from the sun. It has an atmosphere mixed with hydrogen, helium and methane. This last element is responsible for its bluish color. Some of its satellites are Titania, Oberon and Miranda.
Finally, there is Neptune, the farthest planet in reference to the sun. This body is composed of an atmosphere filled with hydrogen and helium. And thanks to the dust particles, it has a four-ring system.
other stellar bodies
Within the solar system are dwarf planets , which are small bodies that orbit the Sun. Within them are Ceres, Eris, Makemake, Haumea, and Pluto. The latter since it was discovered was considered as a planet. However, as of 2006 the International Astronomical Union agreed that Pluto met the characteristics of dwarf planets.
Similarly, there are natural satellites, which are bodies that revolve around a planet that is usually larger. In Earth’s orbit there is only one natural satellite, the Moon. Artificial satellites, on the other hand, are those that are manufactured and launched into space to obtain information.
In turn, within this stellar space are asteroids that are rocky, metallic or carbonaceous bodies. Others are comets that are formed by ice, dust and rocks. And finally, meteoroids, which happen to be smaller than comets and asteroids .
Having learned a little about the bodies that make up the system of which the earth is a part, parents could take the opportunity to carry out activities about the solar system for children where various resources are used, including some recycled materials to represent them.
If you don’t want to do a skit yourself, an interesting and fun way is to use solar system worksheets with primary school children, which can be purchased in stores or online. On the other hand, it doesn’t hurt to make a drawing of the solar system that allows children to identify all the elements in a more graphic way, while perhaps playing a song of the solar system, to reaffirm knowledge.
Now, if you want to invest a little more money, you could take advantage of buying educational toys that are related to this theme. The important thing is to invite the little ones to maintain an active interest in exploring and inquiring about the unknown.
