Space Crafts and Planet Art: A Hands-On Space Unit Study
By: Knowledge Crates
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If you’re looking for creative space crafts and planet art projects to spark your child’s curiosity, this space unit study is the perfect fit for your homeschool. Outer space is a natural source of wonder, and adding hands-on space activities for kids makes learning even more fun. In this post, I’m sharing some of the best homeschool space activities, all pulled from our Explore Space Unit Study. From colorful chalk pastel planet art to imaginative solar system models, this unit is packed with hands-on learning.
And this is just a peek at what’s included! Be sure to check out the full space unit study product page to see everything inside this open-and-go homeschool kit.
Why Add Space Crafts to Your Homeschool Unit Study?
One of the best ways to keep kids excited about learning is through creative, hands-on projects. Space crafts and art projects are a fun way to explore science concepts, encourage creativity, and support fine motor skills—all at once.
Here’s why space crafts are a perfect fit for your homeschool:
They appeal to a wide age range, making them great for multi-age families.
They combine science, art, and storytelling in a natural, engaging way.
They encourage open-ended exploration and creativity.
They make learning about space memorable and meaningful.
In our space unit study, your kids will create all kinds of planet art and space-themed projects, using real art materials like chalk pastels. It’s a wonderful way to make science hands-on and creative!
What’s Included in the Explore Space Unit Study
Our space unit study is packed with ready-to-go homeschool space activities, including science experiments, writing projects, and space crafts. It also comes with a full set of chalk pastels for your kids to use in their planet art projects—no extra supplies needed!
Plus, the unit includes four space-themed books to enrich your child’s learning:
Mad Libs from Outer Space by Roger Price – Silly, space-themed word games that build vocabulary.
100 Questions About Outer Space (Smithsonian Kids) – Fun facts and easy explanations about planets, stars, and galaxies.
Stink: Solar System Superhero by Megan McDonald – A funny story filled with space facts and humor.
Where Are the Constellations? by Stephanie Sabol – An engaging introduction to constellations and the myths behind them.
Hands-On Space Crafts and Activities
Here’s a look at some of the creative space activities for kids included in the unit:
Measure the Distance Between Planets – Kids will use a distance chart and planet figures to create a small-scale model of the solar system.
DIY Solar System Model – With the included kit, kids will make a rotating solar system model.
Create a 3D Planet Art Display – Using chalk pastels, kids will create vibrant, textured artwork of the sun and planets.
Make a Shooting Star Art Project – Kids will design a colorful shooting star scene with pastels and glitter paper.
Explore Galaxy Oobleck Sensory Play – A space-themed science experiment and sensory experience in one.
Learn About Constellations – Two fun craft projects: a constellation flashlight tube and marshmallow & toothpick constellations.
Write Space-Themed Stories – Using Stink: Solar System Superhero as inspiration, kids will map out and write their own space stories.
Play Mad Libs from Outer Space – A silly way to reinforce space vocabulary.
Experiment with Bouncing Ball Science – Kids will create their own colorful bouncing balls in a simple science project.
Sensory Play – Younger learners will love the galaxy rice and space-themed accessories included in the crate.
Why Chalk Pastels?
The primary art material in this space unit study is chalk pastels, and there’s a good reason for that! Pastels are vibrant, blendable, and easy for kids to use. In this unit, children will receive a full set of chalk pastels to use in their space crafts and planet art projects.
They’ll learn how to layer and blend colors to create realistic, textured planets, colorful shooting stars, and beautiful galaxy art. Working with pastels is also fantastic for fine motor development and encourages creative expression, making it a perfect fit for homeschool families looking to combine art and science.
Suggested 6-Week Space Unit Study Plan
Not sure how to fit all these space activities for kids into your homeschool schedule? Here’s a simple, flexible six-week plan to help you structure your learning:
Week 1: Exploring the Solar System
Read: Start 100 Questions About Outer Space and read a few pages each day.
Solar System Model Kit: Build the 3D model of the solar system. Talk about the planets, their orbits, and their relative distances.
Safari LTD Planet Set & Fact Cards: Explore each planet using the figurines and fact cards. Compare planet sizes and facts.
Measuring the Distance of Planets Activity: Measure out planetary distances to visualize the scale of the solar system.
Space Art Projects: Create textured planet art using chalk pastels. Start with Neptune and Jupiter.
Week 2: Stars, Constellations & Imaginative Play
Read: Start Where Are the Constellations? and read together throughout the week.
Create Constellations Tube Activity: Make the constellation flashlight tube and shine the stars on the wall.
Marshmallow & Toothpick Constellations: Build star patterns using marshmallows and toothpicks.
Space Art Projects: Create the Shooting Star Art.
Galaxy Word Search: Complete the space-themed word search to reinforce vocabulary.
Sensory Play: Play with the galaxy rice included in the crate for tactile fun.
Week 3: Science Experiments & Writing Activities
Read: Begin reading Stink: Solar System Superhero.
Galaxy Oobleck Experiment: Mix and explore galaxy-themed oobleck. Discuss how it behaves like both a solid and a liquid.
Bouncing Ball Laboratory: Make your own bouncing balls while learning about chemical reactions.
Rocket to Imagination Writing Prompts: Choose one or two writing prompts and help your child write their own space story.
Mad Libs from Outer Space: Play a few rounds to reinforce vocabulary and encourage silly storytelling.
Week 4: Review, Create & Celebrate
Read: Finish Stink: Solar System Superhero.
Complete any unfinished art projects: Do the 3D Planet Art and other Planet Art projects from the guide.
I-Spy: Test your observation skills with this dry-erase game featuring space-themed objects.
Optional: Host a “Space Celebration Day” at the end of the week. Display the planet art, read their stories aloud, and do a final night of constellation spotting.
This flexible plan gives you room to move at your family’s pace and adapt activities based on your children’s interests.
Why Families Love This Space Unit Study
This space unit study is more than just a collection of worksheets. It’s a hands-on, open-and-go crate filled with:
Ready-to-use space crafts and activities
A full set of chalk pastels for planet art
Engaging homeschool space activities for ages 6–10
Multisensory learning through science, art, and writing
Real books and meaningful, project-based learning
Whether you’re looking to add variety to your homeschool curriculum or want to plan a themed month of learning, this space unit study makes it easy to bring outer space to life!
Elizabeth is a former public school teacher turned homeschool mom. She's been homeschooling for six years with her kiddos who are currently in kindergarten and third grade. At Knowledge Crates, Elizabeth develops the elementary unit studies and test-runs activities with her kids.
Knowledge Crates are thoughtfully curated and secular educational activity boxes designed to make learning fun, hands-on, and stress-free for families.
Each crate is packed with activities, books, and all the materials needed to spark curiosity and creativity in children.
Whether you're a homeschooling parent or simply looking for screen-free ways to keep your kids engaged, Knowledge Crates provide a convenient and enriching solution that fosters exploration and discovery.
Who are Knowledge Crates designed for?
Knowledge Crates are designed for families with children ranging from preschool to high school.
Unit Crates: The preschool units are ideal for children from preschool through grade 1. While some of the skills included may already be mastered by older kids in this range, this gives children a sense of accomplishment as they confidently complete activities on their own! The elementary units are tailored for children in grades 2–5, providing more challenging and engaging activities to keep them excited about learning.
Mini Crates: These versatile crates are designed for children ranging from preschool all the way through high school. Each mini crate includes a detailed list of what’s inside, along with photos of the materials, so parents can easily choose the best fit for their child’s interests and age group.
Sensory Play: Loved by kids of all ages, our sensory play options provide hours of engaging, hands-on exploration that fosters creativity and fine motor development. Whether your child is a toddler or older, sensory play is a hit in every home!
Can Knowledge Crates be used as part of a homeschool curriculum?
Absolutely! Knowledge Crates are a fantastic addition to any homeschool routine. Whether you’re looking to supplement your core curriculum or need ready-made activities to engage your kids, our crates provide all the materials and guidance you need.
Each unit study crate is carefully designed to explore a specific theme in depth, from the wonders of the ocean to desert habitats and beyond. The step-by-step guides and hands-on projects make it easy to incorporate crate activities into your lesson plans, saving you time and adding variety to your homeschool day.
Will Knowledge Crates really work in my homeschool?
Every family is different, and that’s why we design Knowledge Crates to be flexible. Whether you’re homeschooling full-time, looking for weekend activities, or need an engaging way to keep your kids learning during breaks, our crates adapt to your needs. They’re perfect for preschoolers exploring sensory play or older elementary kids diving into creative and STEM-focused projects.
And if you're worried about the value, consider this: everything you need is included. No hidden costs, no extra materials to buy —just open the box and start creating moments of learning and discovery. The materials are even reusable, so many of the activities can be enjoyed again and again!
My kids and I have had such a great experience with Knowledge Crates that I gifted this crate to my nephew and he loved it! My sister told me that he was entertained for at least 2 hours when they first opened up the crate. She said the rainbow volcano activity alone kept him entertained for an hour and then he kept asking for more. I love knowing that there are so many more fun and engaging activities that await them in this create.
My daughter can spend at least 40 minutes to an hour in one sitting with this kit. Her younger brother joins her with the sensory rice that he got from his Bee Crate. We are going over the book together as she explores and plays with the sensory items that come in this crate. She has also added in the weather charms that came with her weather crate. The book has helped us with bringing up and discussing bullying so far and has been a great way to help her with opening up about her experiences with and around this issue. She loves the book and we are looking forward to keep reading it together and the conversations that come from it. She really loves all of the sensory options that come with this kit. I highly recommend it.
