The Stellar Scholars Two-Week Space Challenge

Quick Summary:

Goal: Build a tabletop mini Solar System in 2 weeks.
Include: The Sun + 8 planets (in order), a label for each, one fact per planet, and one space technology object (rocket, satellite, rover, etc.).
Cost: Free use recycled and household materials.
Submit: Your model + clear photos (optional 60-sec video).
Judged on: Science accuracy, creativity, neatness, presentation, and a tech bonus (100 points total).

Hello,

You just learned about rockets, planets, satellites, astronauts, ISRO, NASA, and the mysteries of our universe.

Now it’s your turn to explore.

In this challenge, you become a scientist, an engineer, an artist, and a storyteller all at once. Your mission is to build a mini Solar System museum exhibit and share something amazing about space.

This page is your mission control. Forgot the instructions? Need ideas? Have a question? Everything you need is right here.

And remember: science starts with curiosity. Ask questions. Be brave. Have fun!

Your Mission: Build a Mini Solar System Museum Exhibit

Build a tabletop model of our Solar System that teaches others about the planets and how humans explore space.

☀️ 1. The Sun and Eight Planets

Put them in the correct order from the Sun:

The Sun
Mercury
Venus
Earth
Mars
Jupiter
Saturn
Uranus
Neptune

🪐 2. Planet Labels

Every planet needs a clear label so judges know which is which. You can use:

Small paper flags
Cardboard signs
Popsicle sticks
Printed names
Your own creative decorations

🔭 3. One Amazing Fact About Each Planet

Every planet needs one interesting fact — about its size, temperature, moons, weather, exploration missions, or special features.

Planet	Example Fact
Mercury	The speed champion zooms around the Sun in just 88 days!
Venus	The hottest planet hot enough to melt lead (about 465°C).
Earth	The only planet we know that has life and liquid water on its surface.
Mars	Home to Olympus Mons, a volcano 3 times taller than Mount Everest!
Jupiter	The giant so big that over 1,300 Earths could fit inside it.
Saturn	Its stunning rings are made mostly of ice and rock.
Uranus	The oddball it spins on its side, like a rolling ball.
Neptune	The wind champion — its winds can blow faster than 2,000 km/h!

These are only examples find your own facts too.

🚀 4. Add a Space Technology Connection

Space exploration is also about the amazing technology humans build. Include one space technology object, such as:

🚀 A rocket
🛰️ A satellite
🔭 A telescope
🤖 A Mars rover
👨‍🚀 An astronaut
🌙 A Moon lander

Think like an engineer: How would humans explore this world?

Materials: You Don’t Need to Buy Anything

You can make an project using free things from around your home.

Free / Found at Home:

Cardboard (old boxes)
Chart paper or plain paper
Shoeboxes
Thermocol / foam sheets
Clay or dough
Paper balls
Bottle caps
Beads or buttons
Old newspapers and recycled bottles
Thread or string
Ice-cream sticks or twigs
Glue and tape

Optional (only if you already have them):

Paint or markers
Foam balls
Decorative supplies

The judges are NOT looking for the most expensive project. They want:

⭐ Creativity
⭐ Scientific accuracy
⭐ Effort
⭐ Original ideas

A simple project with a great idea beats an expensive one with no imagination.

Your Two-Week Mission Timeline

Days	Phase	What to Do
Days 1–2	Research	Learn about each planet. Choose one fact for each. Decide your technology object.
Days 3–5	Planning	Plan your layout, materials, and what makes yours unique.
Days 6–10	Building	Make the Sun, all eight planets, labels, fact cards, and your technology object.
Days 11–12	Explaining	Practice explaining your favorite planet and why you designed it this way.
Days 13–14	Final Prep	Check labels, confirm facts, add final details, prepare your explanation.

Scientists and engineers always plan before they build and a great scientist explains their work not just makes it.

✅ Your Checklist

Tick these off as you go:

The Sun is included
All 8 planets are in the correct order
Each planet has a clear label
Each planet has one amazing fact
One space technology object is included
My facts are correct
I can explain my project clearly
(Optional) My 60-second video is done

Self-Check Rubric: Grade Yourself Before Judges Do.

Before you submit, give your project an honest score. The more boxes you can tick the higher your chance of winning.

🔬 Science Accuracy (out of 30)

My 8 planets are in the correct order from the Sun (10)
Each planet’s fact is true and from a trusted source (10)
I can explain my facts clearly in my own words (10)

🎨 Creativity (out of 25)

My project has an original idea, not just copied from an example (10)
I used materials in a clever or surprising way (10)
My design looks different and interesting (5)

✨ Neatness (out of 20)

Every label is clear and easy to read (8)
My layout is neat and organized, not messy (7)
I added finishing touches (no glue blobs, no torn edges) (5)

🎤 Presentation (out of 15)

I can explain my project with confidence (8)
I can answer questions about my facts (4)
(Optional) My video is clear and under 60 seconds (3)

🚀 Space Technology Bonus (out of 10)

I included one space technology object (5)
I can explain why it matters for space exploration (5)

Your total: _____ / 100
Aim for 80+ before you submit. If you’re below 80 go back and fix what’s missing.

What to Submit?

When your mission is complete, turn in:

Your Solar System model (in person, as your teacher directs)
Clear photos of your model (so judges can see the details)
(Optional) A 60-second video tour of your exhibit

🎥 Optional Video Challenge

Want an extra challenge? Make a 60-second video tour of your Solar System. Pretend you’re the guide.

Your video should:

Say your name and project title
Show your Solar System model
Explain your favorite planet
Share one amazing space fact
End with: “Keep looking up!”

How Winners Will Be Chosen?

Projects are judged in five categories (100 points total):

Category	Points	Judges will look for
🔬 Science Accuracy	30	Correct planet order, accurate facts, clear explanations
🎨 Creativity	25	Original ideas, creative designs, clever use of materials
✨ Neatness	20	Clear labels, organized layout, careful finishing
🎤 Presentation	15	Confidence, clear explanations, optional video quality
🚀 Space Technology Bonus	10	A meaningful rocket, satellite, telescope, rover, or astronaut

❓ FAQ

Can I work with a friend?
Yes alone or in pairs if your teacher allows it.

Do I need expensive materials?
No! Simple, free, and recycled materials are encouraged. Use what you have at home.

Can my family help?
Yes. Family can help with cutting or safety but your ideas and creativity should lead the project.

Does my model need to move?
No. A moving model is optional. Creativity matters more than complexity.

Do I need to make a video?
No. The video is an optional extra challenge.

Need Inspiration?

View the video of an example DIY below:

References & Helpful Links:

Need more help with your project? These trusted websites are perfect for researching facts Click any link below.

🔭 Planet Facts & Research:

NASA Space Place — All About the Planets I personally used this source for my presentation.
NASA Space Place — How Many Moons Does Each Planet Have? – great for finding a moon fact
NASA Space Place — Weather on Other Planets — temperature and weather facts for every planet
ESA Kids — The Solar System — the European Space Agency’s tour of the Sun and planets

Build Ideas & Craft Help:

NASA — Make a Model Solar System — step-by-step guide using clay, foil, and balls.
NASA JPL — Make a Scale Solar System — ideas for arranging planets using beads, chalk, or sticks
NASA Space Place — Make a CD Saturn — turn an old CD into a Saturn with rings

India in Space (ISRO)

ISRO — For Students — ISRO’s programs and activities for school students
ISRO — Space Books Series for Children — free story books about space, rockets, and ISRO’s missions
Antriksh Jigyasa — ISRO’s free online learning platform with space science courses

Extra & Exploration

NASA Space Place — Solar System Section — games, crafts, and videos about the Solar System
ESA Kids — Home — games, videos, and activities from the European Space Agency

Tip: Always check that your facts come from a trusted source like NASA, ISRO, or ESA before adding them to your project.

Want to Learn More About Space First?

If you’re new to space and want to understand planets, rockets, satellites, ISRO, NASA, and the universe before you start building read my first blog post: What Is Space? An Introduction to the Universe.

Here: https://stellarscholars.org/2026/08/09/what-is-space-an-introduction-to-the-universe/

It covers everything you need to know to build an amazing project the eight planets in order, what each one is like, how humans explore space, and the incredible missions from NASA and ISRO.

Start there, then come back to this page to build your project.

Have Questions? Here’s How to Ask!

Science is built on questions and I’m here to help. If you’re confused about the project, need ideas, or want help with your design, you have two ways to reach me:

Option 1: Leave a Comment Below

Scroll down to the comment section at the bottom of this page and leave your question there. I read every comment and will reply to help you finish your project or answer any questions.

Option 2: Message Me on Instagram or any other app

I post updates about the challenge and all things space on my Instagram. You can also send me a direct message there with your questions I’ll respond and help you out.

here: instagram.com/yuvrajsdhillon2011

🌠 Good Luck!

The Solar System is only the beginning. Beyond it are billions of stars and mysteries waiting to be discovered. Maybe one day someone in this challenge will become a scientist, an engineer, an astronaut, or a space explorer.

Maybe that person is you.

Keep looking up!