Come learn all about the red planet Mars! This is a fun and educational article for kids of all ages about one of the most popular planets in our solar system. We'll talk about some of the unique features of Mars, such as its red color, and how it has two moons. We'll also learn some interesting facts about Mars and finish with a fun Mars Craft for kids to enjoy. You can even pair this craft with a super cool space playdough recipe to extend your child's interest further! Enjoy.
If you love this fun craft then you'll love this paper plate planets craft too!
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💖 Why You'll Love This Craft
- Perfect for Space Lovers: Great for little astronauts and science fans of all ages.
- Great for Classrooms or Home: Awesome for space units, STEM weeks, or rainy day fun.
- Creative + Educational: Combines hands-on art with awesome Mars knowledge!
Mars Facts
Here are some fun facts about the planet Mars.
- Mars is the 4th planet from the sun.
- Mars is the 2nd smallest planet.
- Mars is often referred to as the "Red Planet" because of its reddish appearance.
- Mars has two moons, Phobos and Deimos.
- Mars is home to the largest volcano in the solar system, Olympus Mons.
- Mars is home to the deepest canyon in the solar system, Valles Marineris.
- A day on Mars is called a "sol" and is only 37 minutes longer than a day on Earth.
- A year on Mars is about 687 Earth days long.
- The temperature on Mars can range from -225 degrees Fahrenheit at the poles to 80 degrees Fahrenheit at the equator.
- Mars has a thin atmosphere that is made up of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and argon.
- There is evidence that water once flowed on Mars.
Mars Gravity
The gravity on Mars is only ⅜th of the gravity on Earth. This means that if you weigh 100 pounds on Earth, you would only weigh 38 pounds on Mars!
Mars Surface
The surface of Mars is very rocky and has many craters.
Mars Weather
The weather on Mars can be very extreme. Dust storms can cover the entire planet and last for months.
🎨 Supplies Needed
- Construction Paper
- White Paint
- Scissors
- Glue Stick
- Toothbrush
- Black Marker
🖌️ How To Make This Mars Craft
- Step 1: Begin by downloading and printing the Mars Template onto white paper. Cut out and trace around the template pieces onto colored paper.
- Step 2: Next cut out all the colored pieces of the Planet Mars and prepare to assemble.
- Step 3: Glue all the template pieces onto the planet Mars to create your planet creation.
- Step 4: Now the planet Mars craft is complete you can add it to a solar system background.
To Make a Space Background
- Step 5: To make a space themed background, simply use a toothbrush or other brush and flick white paint across some back construction paper.
- Step 6: Once the background is dry, you can glue your Mars craft to the background to create a solar system look.
- Step 7: Your Mars Craft is now ready to display. Hang in the classroom or create a solar system display for the kids to enjoy. This is a great way to teach children about planets and the greater and wider world in which we live.
💡 Pro Tip: Schedule a short recap discussion after the craft so kids can explain what they made, helping reinforce retention through verbal sharing.
🧑🎨 Expert Tips
- Keep Shapes Manageable: Stick to medium-sized shapes when designing Mars features so kids can handle and place elements without difficulty.
- Use Matte Surfaces: Opt for matte construction paper or card stock to reduce glare and make gluing and coloring easier for children.
- Clarify Work Zones: Designate table sections for cutting, assembling, and drying to help children stay organized and avoid material mix-ups.
- Encourage Layer Planning: Have children decide which pieces go on top or underneath before attaching anything to avoid rework or misalignment.
- Add Simple Labels: Let kids label their Mars craft with short, clear words like “crater” or “volcano” to quietly reinforce early reading practice.
- Offer Contrast Borders: Suggest outlining planet shapes with a black or dark gray border to make them pop visually without complicating the design.
💭 FAQs
Building models of planets like Mars helps children grasp concepts like rotation and orbit, making abstract astronomical ideas more tangible.
Combining artistic activities with space topics fosters creativity while reinforcing scientific knowledge, enhancing overall cognitive development.
Engaging in Mars-related crafts can spark curiosity about space, encouraging further exploration and learning about the solar system.
Creating physical representations of planets reinforces learning by engaging multiple senses, leading to better recall of information.
Download Template
Download Mars Planet Craft Template for printing!
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