When we’re studying the sun and the earth and things like orbit, rotation, etc., it can be confusing for little kids to understand how it all works. I found a great Sun, Earth, and Moon craft idea on Pinterest and adapted it with my kids using these beautiful printables.
Using brads, printables, and construction paper strips, my kids were able to make a visual model of how the earth and moon rotate and orbit. These concepts can be tough for kids to understand, so letting them explore the ideas with movable models they made themselves is priceless. Download the gorgeous printables from Ironic Adventure. Let your kids color them in and talk about the different colors you’d see on the earth’s surface from space.
We had a great Usborne Internet Linked book called Space, An Usborne Discovery Book we use to talk about the solar system and sun, moon and earth stuff. Our primary focus for this week was the Sun. We used this book to introduce all the vocabulary words they would need to have these discussions and to introduce to entire “solar system” concept.
Once you have the printables ready, cut strips of paper about an inch wide, two for each child. You need a long strip for the sun to the earth, and a shorter strip for the moon to the earth. One brad will secure the moon to the earth on the short strip. And one brad will secure the earth to the sun on the long strip. 
The kids LOVED being able to visualize the earth rotating to show night and day, and then visualize the earth orbiting the sun to create our years. So simple and clever! My kids definitely learn better when they can see the things in motion and getting them involved in the crafting process keeps them engaged.
I’m glad you guys liked doing this object lesson craft! Thanks for the mention and link!
Blessings,
Becca
My kids ADORED it – it was perfect for hands on learning. I know others will enjoy it as well. Thank YOU! 😀