Since play dough is such a popular play activity for kids, we like to incorporate it into our learning activities often. This outer space play dough invitation is inspired by our space theme lesson plans for home preschool and preschool classrooms. Set it out for kids to play with as they are learning about the night sky and the planets.

Outer Space Play Dough Invitation

Materials

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Black play dough-Buy some or make your own with black icing color.
Planet manipulatives
Star rhinestones
Silver tinsel stems-trimmed to various lengths
Glass rocks

Outer Space Play Dough Activity Ideas

We set this invitation out alongside picture books about the solar system. Some kids chose to try to create a model of the solar system by using the diagrams in the books. Others chose to design their own solar systems. Both approaches are perfectly acceptable.

As kids play they may also:

Ask the names of the different planets
Name identifying characteristics of the different planets
Practice counting the planets
Sort the planets from largest to smallest
Make patterns or designs with the stars and other manipulatives

Get Even More Outer Space Ideas

Continue learning with outer space inspired activities in our printable lesson plan sets. Each set includes over 30 playful learning activities related to the theme, and we’ve provided different versions for home preschool families and classroom teachers so all activities are geared directly toward your needs.

Inside you’ll get over 30 hands-on reading, math, and science activities that will help kids learn early learning skills while introducing them to the planets, the night sky, and outer space. Watch this short video to see just a few examples of the types of activities and printables included in this set: