Galaxy in a Jar – Space Science Project for Kids

Tips for Creating Your Own Galaxy in a Jar

Washable Paint. This activity can get a bit messy depending on the child, so be sure to use washable, aka tempera, paint. For a full list of arts and crafts supplies, we have a reallly great and thorough checklist! Some tempera paint can be thick, while some can be thin. If you have thick paint like us, you may want to mix it in the water before pouring directly in the jar as we did in the video.

Lots of Cotton Balls. Don’t be shy with how many cotton balls you need! To create two jars, we used a full bag of jumbo cotton balls with a 200 piece count!

Glitter. We want to do our part in reducing micro-plastics into the environment, so we always opt to use biodegradable glitter.

• Cotton Balls
• Glitter

• Jar
• Water
• Tempera Paint
• Cotton Balls
• Glitter

Step 4

Sprinkle with glitter.

Step 5

For the remaining layers, repeat steps 1-4, however, do not mix the water and paint by shaking the jar. Instead, either mix together the paint and water in a separate container and pour into the jar, or pour the water in and then gently mix in the paint with a spoon or small whisk.

Step 6

Secure the jar’s lid shut and enjoy! Set the finished product up on a shelf to enjoy for months to come!

Step 1

If you’d like to use 3 colors, fill the jar 1/3 of the way up with water. If you’d like more layers of colors, then just divide the amount of water evenly for as many colors as you’d like. For example, if using 4 colors, first add 1/4 cup of water.

Step 2

Add in some paint (we gave a good squirt!). Close the lid and shake until combined. 

Step 3

Cover with cotton balls until absorbed. You can stretch out the cotton balls, but it also works if your kiddo doesn’t stretch them out. We’ve done it both ways!

Step 4

Sprinkle with glitter.

Step 5

For the remaining layers, repeat steps 1-4, however, do not mix the water and paint by shaking the jar. Instead, either mix together the paint and water in a separate container and pour into the jar, or pour the water in and then gently mix in the paint with a spoon or small whisk.

Step 6

Secure the jar’s lid shut and enjoy! Set the finished product up on a shelf to enjoy for months to come!

Beyond Creating a Galaxy Jar Craft

There is so much to learn about science and space with this hands on arts and crafts project! While your kiddo is creating the galaxy in a jar, be sure to discuss the differences between the solar system, galaxy and universe!

The Solar System. The solar system is defined as our sun and everything that is bound to it by gravity. All those things include: our surrounding 8 planets and moons (including Earth!), meteroids, dwarf planets, and asteroids.

Galaxy. A galaxy is a system of stars, dust, and gas held together by gravity exclusive to it’s own system. Earth is located in the Milk Way galaxy, but there are billions of galaxies in the observable universe.

The Universe. The universe is everything that exists. It encompasses all things throughout time and space from the people and things on our very own planet Earth, to the billions of galaxies beyond.