Playz Solar System Model kit for Kids, Planetarium Projector Planet Toys

I have a sophisticate understanding of astronomy, and I wanted to obtain a model of the solar system for my bright 7-year old grandson. This toy, although it has some shortcomings, fit the bill. Perhaps we should recognize at the outset that no small model of the solar system can adequately represent the relative sizes of the planets and the sun, the relative distance of the planets from the sun, and the relative revolutionary periods of the planets about the sun (the latter, at least, not without enormous expense.) The sun is so big relative to the planets, and the distances of the outer planets from the sun are so great compared to the inner planets, such a model would have great distortions of size and time. However, given those limitations, this model accomplishes three important objectives: 1. It portrays the planets in their correct order from the sun. 2. It shows that some planets revolve around the sun faster than others (although some planet groups, such as Jupiter and Saturn, are shown with identical revolutionary periods.) 3. It shows that planets are different sizes and have different colors and markings. These are the important concepts I want to convey to my grandson. The orrery also is fun to watch as the planets spin about the sun at varying speeds. The projector inside the sun seems superfluous and has a very short focal length, so don't expect clear images on an 8-foot ceiling (probably about the right focal length for "Being John Malkovich".) The instructions are a model of clarity. The model was relatively easy to assemble. I haven't owned it long enough to comment on its durability. A fun toy for a youngster. I would have been transfixed as seven years old!.

Loves this! I ordered this for a homeschool co-op lesson, was very pleased. Very easy to put together with clear instructions. Works just like I needed it to with varying planet rotation times. The projector does give images more clear than I thought they would be making it a lot of fun for the kids. I thought I was going to have to paint the planets, there are foam balls included to paint your own planets but the kit comes with plastic planets. Already finished keeping the item neat and accurate. It is a bigger model than some other ones I saw, but that works well for me since I have a larger class to teach.

It is the best affordable orrery. I wish they were illuminated... that would be NEXT level. I don't know if 4 speeds for 8 planets is really needed. It does gear work but... it moves SO FAST. And NOISY. I was hoping it would be subtle and cool. It isa NOISY toy to keep on all the time... it is cleverly made. I wish there was a pro version with higher quality for that cool office desk smooth quiet running desk toy look. Alas, this is a kids toy. I can lower the speed with a train set transformer to a slow crawl. But that added a lot of tinkering and complexity. Still looks all plastic. I am going to try painting it to look metal or steampunk (probably copper). The arms are plastic and shaky making it look... toy.

Bought this for my nephew for Christmas as he loves space and putting things together. He is 6 and he was able to put it together and he was using it to teach me about all the planets. He loves that the planets orbit around the sun and that he was able to paint some and also use the ones the kit comes with. The sun was cool because it's a projector. Overall great gift that's also educational. It came with a booklet with even more information and facts on the planets. If you have a kiddo in your life that loves space, or putting things together or you want to teach them and introduce them to space this is a great buy!

My daughter loves it!

This is a great 3D model of the solar system, with planets revolving around the sun at different speeds. It teaches kids how the solar system works in a fun way. There are some nice touches beyond the model itself. For example, in addition to providing color models of all the planets, the kit comes with white foam balls that let kids create their own planets, using different colors of paint that are included in the kit. Another nice feature: the “sun” can be taken off the model and held in your hand to project images of the planets onto the ceiling. The sun has a lens and battery-powered light bulb; by turning a knurled wheel, you can change the images among different planets. Not high definition, but fine for little kids. My two grandsons, age 4 and 7, love this toy. During the year my grandsons have played with it, a few parts got lost in their house. I emailed Playz and asked if I could obtain replacement parts. They sent me another complete kit at no cost! They even shipped it overnight. That’s amazing support!

Gives a simplified understanding of what planets there are, their positions from sun, and that they revolve around the sun. Simple to build. I don't understand that the motor is 4 speed; there is a simple on-off switch and one speed. The arm for Uranus always hangs just low enough to catch and stop on the arm of Neptune. Once assembled there isn't anything to do but turn on and off.

Cool product! My kiddo loves it!

Excelente producto