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Create a glow in the dark galaxy

Create a glow-in-the-dark galaxy to learn all about the Milky Way!

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You’ll need

  • Black or dark blue card
  • Glow-in-the-dark paint
  • Glow-in-the-dark space stickers
  • Neon or acrylic paints (optional)
  • Paintbrushes
  • Sponges
  • Old, clean toothbrushes
  • Paint palettes
  • Something to protect tables with
  • Aprons or old clothes (optional)
  • Pictures of the Milky Way and different galaxies (optional)

Before you begin

  • Use the safety checklist to help you plan and risk assess your activity. There's also more guidance to help you carry out your risk assessment, including examples.   
  • Make sure all young people and adults involved in the activity know how to take part safely.
  • Make sure you’ll have enough adult helpers. You may need some parents and carers to help. 

Planning and setting up this activity

  • You may wish to set up the paints and any tables you want to use before starting this activity.  

Running this activity

  1. Gather everyone together and explain that you’ll be making some galaxy themed artwork. You could ask if anyone knows anything about galaxies or which galaxy Earth is in.
  2. Explain that the Earth is part of a solar system with a star called the Sun at the centre. The solar system is part of a galaxy and lots of galaxies make up the universe. A galaxy is a huge collection of gas, dust, and billions of stars and their solar systems, all held together by gravity. Our Sun is in a spiral galaxy called the Milky Way. The Milky Way contains about 100,000 million stars. The universe is thought to contain 200,000 million galaxies, each with 100,000 million stars. When we look up at stars in the night sky from Earth, we’re seeing other stars in the Milky Way. (Source: BBC Bitesize)
  3. You could show everyone pictures of the Milky Way and different galaxies, then discuss them. For example, you could ask people what colours they can see or any patterns. 
  4. Explain that you’re going to make some galaxy art. You may wish to wear aprons.
  5. Everyone should take some black or dark blue coloured card.
  6. Next, use sponges to lightly create a cosmic-looking background. You could use blues, purples or pinks. You could blend the colours using a sponge too. 
  7. Once you’ve created a cool cosmic background, dip a paintbrush or toothbrush into glow-in-the-dark paint. Hold the brush over the paper and gently flick the bristles to create star-like splatters.
  8. Finally, use a paintbrush or the handle-end of the toothbrush to add larger stars or constellations.
  9. If you want to, you could add glitter or stickers, such as planets and rockets, to your galaxy.
  10. Everyone should help tidy up before testing the glow-in-the-dark paint. You could take it outside or turn the lights off.  

Reflection

This activity was all about our galaxy, the Milky Way. What did you enjoy most about this activity? Did you learn something new that surprised you? Now, look at your artwork. What made you choose the colours you did? How did you make it look like space in your photo? Did anyone include any constellations or make a pattern with the stars? 

Safety

All activities must be safely managed. You must complete a thorough risk assessment and take appropriate steps to reduce risk. Use the safety checklist to help you plan and risk assess your activity. Always get approval for the activity, and have suitable supervision and an InTouch process.

You must run your activities in line with the Safeguarding Code of Conduct for Adults (Yellow Card) and report any concerns to the UK HQ Safeguarding Team.

Glue and solvents

Always supervise young people appropriately when they’re using glue and solvent products. Make sure there’s plenty of ventilation. Be aware of any medical conditions that could be affected by glue or solvent use and make adjustments as needed.

Craft: Unusual substances

Supervise young people appropriately when they’re using unusual substances, such as powdered paint, ash or dirt. Be aware of any medical conditions that could be affected by what’s being used. Make sure you follow all relevant safety guidance or manufacturers guidelines, where available. Make sure you dispose of it appropriately too, in line with safety guidance.

Crafting with younger sections

Be well prepared, with everything ready before you begin. Make sure equipment and materials are age appropriate. Make sure small objects are not put in mouths, ears and noses. Remind young people not to put anything in their mouth and wash hands regularly. 

Make it accessible

All Scout activities should be inclusive and accessible.

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