Exploring the Solar System Through Creative Play: How Artemis II Sparks Curiosity Beyond Earth

As NASA prepares for the Artemis II mission, excitement about space is growing once again. Astronauts will travel around the Moon, testing systems that will help humans explore further into space. For young children, this real-world moment is a wonderful starting point for curiosity about what lies beyond Earth.

In the My Mini Maker Space Activity Kit, children explore these big ideas through a solar system picture activity. Using touch, movement and creativity, they begin to understand the planets, their order, and the idea of space in a calm, hands-on way that supports learning through play.

Big ideas, child-sized learning

Space is a huge concept. Creative play helps make it manageable. As children build their solar system picture, they learn the order of the planets in order from the Sun, can create the asteroid belt using and tell you about the planets they know.

This kind of hands-on exploration helps children make sense of the world beyond what they can see – a key part of early learning.

What children are learning as they play

🌍 Understanding the world

Learning the order of the planets introduces early science knowledge in a gentle, memorable way. Handling each planet sticker and placing it carefully helps children remember names and positions far more effectively than simply being told.

They begin to grasp that Earth is part of a bigger system – an idea that links beautifully to Artemis II and humanity’s exploration of space.

✋ Play that builds skills

Creating the asteroid belt by dotting the Q-tip into the paint encourages repeated, controlled movements. This supports fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and focus, all while feeling soothing and enjoyable.

Sensory-rich activities like this are especially helpful for children who need calm, structured play – including many SEND children.

🔁 Patterns and early maths thinking

The asteroid belt is a great introduction to pattern-making. As children repeat actions and notice spacing, they’re practising early maths skills without even realising it.

🗣 Language and curiosity

This activity naturally invites questions and curiosity. Crafting side by side often leads to relaxed, meaningful conversations – supporting vocabulary, confidence and communication. 

To gently extend the learning, you might ask:

• Can you find Earth in your picture?

• What do you notice about the planets close to the Sun?

• Why do you think astronauts need to learn about space before they travel?

These small prompts help children connect their craft to real-world ideas like Artemis II, without turning play into a lesson.

Building curiosity that lasts

The solar system activity builds on skills children practise throughout the kit – cutting, placing, focusing and talking about what they’ve made. Each time they return to these skills, confidence grows.

As Artemis II reminds us, exploration starts with curiosity. With My Mini Maker, children explore the solar system in a way that feels calm, creative and joyful – one sensory moment at a time ✨

👉 Here are some more ideas to keep your little one learning:

• My Mini Maker Space Activity Kit 

• Read about Why Educational Craft Kits Are The Perfect Screen Free Activity

• Get four activities each month straight to your door by subscribing