Crafting Your Own Cosmic Container: Galaxy Jar Tutorial
Learn how to create a visually stunning representation of a galaxy right at home with the DIY Galaxy-in-a-Jar project! This fun and educational activity is suitable for kids of all ages, including teens and tweens, and is part of an extensive printable space activities pack.
The pack, which includes over 250 pages of hands-on fun, covers a wide range of space-themed topics such as moon phases, constellations, the solar system, the 1969 Apollo 11 lunar landing, and even a full Space Camp Week.
To create your very own galaxy-in-a-jar, you'll need a few simple supplies: cotton balls, acrylic paint in various colours, silver glitter, and a 16-ounce mason jar or plastic jar.
Begin by mixing paint and water, adding cotton balls and glitter to the jar. Pour in a layer of the mixture, and repeat the process with different colours to create layers in the jar until it's full. The cotton balls represent the stars in a galaxy, while the coloured paint represents the colourful gases and dust that fill the space between stars.
As you pour each layer, watch as the mixture settles, forming a beautiful representation of a galaxy. Glitter, which represents the bright, sparkling stars that are visible in a galaxy, adds an extra touch of magic to your creation.
This project can be easily added to a space-themed event or activity, making it perfect for both educational and recreational purposes. Whether you're planning a space-themed party, homeschooling, or simply looking for a fun weekend activity, the DIY galaxy-in-a-jar project is sure to be a hit!
Galaxies come in various shapes and sizes, with some examples being spiral, elliptical, and irregular. Our own Milky Way, for instance, is a spiral galaxy shaped like a big spiral with long arms swirling out from the center. Other galaxies, like the Andromeda Galaxy, are also spiral-shaped and are the closest galaxies to our Milky Way. Meanwhile, elliptical galaxies, such as big footballs or eggs, do not have spiral arms, while irregular galaxies do not have a regular shape and can look like blobs or clouds.
So, gather your supplies, get creative, and embark on this exciting journey to create your very own galaxy-in-a-jar! Happy crafting!
