Amazing Solar System Activity with Free Cootie Catcher

Sharing is caring!

Enjoy a simple yet fun solar system activity with your kids.

This free printable set of cootie catcher and fact cards is an awesome way to have hands-on learning fun about the solar system.

I share how I'm using this solar system cootie catcher with my boys for our homeschool science plus how to pair this activity with the fact cards to boost the learning fun with outer space. Learn more and get your free set today!

Put the Solar System in Your Kids' Hands

Okay, that's a bit extreme!

But, you can give them a super cool hands-on activity that helps them learn about the planets!

My three younger boys adore science. When given a choice of what homeschool subject to do first, science is always #1. They love to learn about a variety of science topics and usually have a few books going at once.

I love to find and think of ways to boost our science fun. The homeschool science resources that we've been using lately have been phenomenal (I'll be sharing more about that very soon-make sure to come back to check them out!).

Lately, my younger boys have been chatting a lot about space (they're also huge Star Wars fans) and our solar system. I got the idea for creating this solar system activity with cootie catcher and fact cards by listening as they used playdough to make planets for a homeschool brain break one day.

They liked the idea of using the solar system cootie catcher as a creative prompt for identifying planets and sorting which fact card to use. Oh, and they love to have their science books to use as references, too.

Amazing Resources to Boost This Solar System Activity

If you're interested in having spectacular solar system learning fun with your kids, you may want to gather some resources and materials to make the most if this special time.

As always, I encourage you to check out what your local library has available for free. If you find a few must-have items through your library experience, make a list or wishlist for your forever collection.

Oh, and I encourage you to use other activities, like DIY projects such as this coffee filter galaxy craft.

Here are a few of our favorite solar system resources (in case you're curious or just don't have time):

Hello, World! Solar SystemBarefoot Books Solar SystemThe Planets: The Definitive Visual Guide to Our Solar SystemSolar System: A Visual Exploration of All the Planets, Moons, and Other Heavenly Bodies That Orbit Our Sun―Updated EditionNational Geographic Kids Space Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition: A Tour of Our Solar System and BeyondSolar System Planets: An Educational STEM Activity Book for Kids Ages 8-12 - Fun Facts & Illustrations. (STEM Activity Collection)Solar System for Kids: A Junior Scientist's Guide to Planets, Dwarf Planets, and Everything Circling Our SunWhere Is Our Solar System?Planet Solar System Stickers for Kids, 1.5Solar System Peel 'N Place Party Accessory (1 count) (10/Sh)Planet Stickers for Kids,1.5 inch 300pcs 12 Design Waterproof Solar System Stickers Planet Stickers Space Sticker for Stationery, Party Favors Crafts,School Reward StickersZeoddler Solar System Puzzle for Kids 3-6, Wooden Space Toys, Planets for Kids, Preschool Learning Activities, Gift for Boys, Girls

How to Make Your Cootie Catcher and Suggestions for Using

Not sure how to assemble your solar system cootie catcher? No worries! It’s really not too hard!

Just follow these simple steps and you’ll be on your way to enjoying this fun solar system activity with your kids ?

1. Print your solar system cootie catcher. Regular printer paper works well.

   

2. Use scissors to cut along the white dotted lines of the cootie catcher.

   

3. Fold your solar system cootie catcher in half along one of the center lines. Open and repeat the fold with the other center line.

   

4. Open up the cootie catcher and put the printed-side down. Fold in one corner to meet the center. Repeat with all four corners. You'll end up having the corners meet in the center, forming a square.

   

5. Flip over your cootie catcher. Fold the corners into the center with numbers pointed in.

   

6. Fold the square in half with the numbers touching each other. Unfold and repeat with the other side.

   

7. Please note that the original corners will now gently pull out. You'll be able to insert your pointer finger behind one slot and thumb behind the other on the same side. Do this action with both hands.

   

8. Push your fingers & thumbs up to meet other in center. Gently manipulate cootie catcher in and out.

   

9. It’s time for some solar system fun! The participant picks one of the solar system-themed objects/words (MOON, STAR, SUN, ASTEROID). For each letter of the chosen word, manipulate the cootie catcher. 
10. Four numbers are inside of the cootie catcher. The participant selects one number. Manipulate the cootie catcher that number of times.
11. Again, four numbers will appear. Participant selects one number.
12. You open the cootie catcher and then the participant must respond with a fact about that planet. Psst! Use the fact cards or other resource for help.
13. Repeat and have a fantastic time of learning fun!

Get Your Free Solar System Cootie Catcher + Fact Cards

Ready to join the fun and have a blast with this solar system activity? It's a great way to enjoy space activities and help students get hands-on learning.

This printable set includes 1 page of solar system cootie catcher and 2 pages of planet fact cards (8 total cards with 4 cards per page).

**I strongly recommend that you print the planet fact cards on white cardstock (I use Neenah cardstock with great results!) for durability. You may also want to laminate the cards to extend their use.

You may print out as many copies of this solar system activity pack as you need for your class, family, homeschool co-op, or library. Please share this post if you have a co-worker or friend who may enjoy this activity, too.

When you join the Rock Your Homeschool community, you’ll receive this printable activity set in a PDF file in an email, in addition to a password to unlock the freebies in our VIP Resource Library. You’ll also get emails with ideas and encouragement to make life and learning fun.

Already a RYHS subscriber? You just need to access the VIP Resource Library page and enter the password in your welcome email. If you have any questions or problems, please email Amy at rockyourhomeschool@gmail.com

Get your FREE Solar System Activity Pack with Cootie Catcher + Fact Cards now!

How will you use this free set for cool space activities with your kids? Do you have any questions about making this solar system cootie catcher? Or ideas on how to enjoy? Please let me know in the comments area at the bottom of this post!

Sharing is caring!