Curated OER
Our Solar System: Its Planets and Their Satellites
Fourth graders create a replica of our solar system. Each group arranges the balls in the proper order for our solar system by gluing them to the construction paper. Under each of the balls, the name of the object should be clearly printed.
Curated OER
Space - In Your Face or Not?
Second graders, in groups, examine how it doesn't matter if they can see the planets in the solar system or not--they're there.
Curated OER
Researching the Planets
Students use a search engine and links on the Internet to gather research. They record data and cite references used. They organize research into an outline and use a Word Processing program to publish a report.
Curated OER
Compare and Contrast Planets Using a Venn Diagram
Students use the Venn diagram template to complete the assignment or prepare their own Venn diagram using the Draw program on their computer (if available). They share their Venn diagrams with the class.
Curated OER
Planet Research
Students recognize that the other eight known planets, which revolve around the Sun, have characteristics and surface conditions that are different from Earth; and identify examples of those differences.
Curated OER
Planetary Research (Grades 9-12)
Students are introduced to planetary research and familiarize them with the planets and their features. They see that each planet has unique features. Planets have some common features and that images can be used to study the planets and...
Curated OER
Take a Spin Through the Solar System
Second graders participate in a variety of activities to explore the Solar System in this unit.
Curated OER
The Planets Moon
Students explore the theories of the creation of the universe and examine the properties of celestial bodies. They analyze the relationship between the sun, Earth and other planets. They discover the infinite potential of the science of...
California Institute of Technology
Cool Cosmos: Ask an Astronomer
Resource compiles a list of most frequently asked questions about Mercury. Each question is linked to an astronomer's answer. Kids can explore many aspects of this wonderful planet.
California Institute of Technology
Cool Cosmos: Ask an Astronomer: Venus
Resource offers the answers to many frequently asked questions about Venus. Kids can click on the user-friendly question links to learn more about this amazing planet.
California Institute of Technology
Cool Cosmos: Ask an Astronomer for Kids: Solar System
Resource presents information about the solar system through a list of most frequently asked questions. Click on each question and be transported to a wealth of knowledge about our solar system and the planets within it.
Children's Museum
Children's Museum of Indianapolis: Cosmic Quest: Space Craft
Travel to other planets and even outer space, and explore various spacecraft. Get a synopsis about each of the featured planetary space probe missions.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: All Planet Sizes
This illustration from the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory shows the approximate sizes of the planets relative to each other. Note that the planets are not shown at appropriate distances from the Sun.
American Institute of Biological Sciences
Action Bioscience: Looking for Life on Mars and Beyond
Learn some of the characteristics of Mars. These characteristics lead some people to believe that life forms may be found on the fourth planet from the Sun.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Solar System Fact Sheet
Use this handy chart to help acquaint yourself with major facts about the solar system. This chart is broken down by planet and displays data such as the size of the planet, distance from the sun, rotation period, orbital period,...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Scaled Images of the Solar System
Use the following lithographs to envision the scale of our solar system. View different models of planets at different scales, an infographic about the relative sizes of the planets and distance from the sun, and images of the largest...
Other
Jack Horkheimer: Star Gazer
This is a site on astronomy in general. If you are into astrophotography, you can find out what is happening in the heavens! Jack Horkheimer is also seen on PBS. You can access the 5 or 1 minute shows on this site.
Other
Celestia
This site provides a free space simulation that lets you explore the universe in three dimensions. There is a forum for teachers and lesson plans that help enhance student use of the simulation. A program must be downloaded in order to...
Other
Simple Science: Planetary Gallery
The innovative resource examines images of the Sun, Moon, Pluto, and all eight planets in the Solar System. Learners calculate the diameter of each object and rank the objects in order of size. The activity has an interactive online...
NASA
Nasa: 21th Century Explorer: Why Do We Want to Study and Travel to Mars?
This article answers some of the most common questions about Mars: Why is it red? Is there water on Mars? What else have scientists discovered from spacecraft that have landed there? Also, visitors can follow links to learn more about...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: What Makes the Rings of Saturn?
Saturn is a unique planet because of the many beautiful rings surrounding it. How are all of those rings made? Why is each ring unique?
California Institute of Technology
Cool Cosmos: Ask an Astronomer: Neptune
Resource provides a deeper look at the planet Neptune. Just click on the frequently asked question link and dive into knowledge.
Other
Lunar and Planetary Institute: Explore! Discover Earth
A variety of hands-on activities, investigations, and explorations designed to engage learners in discovering planet Earth.
California Institute of Technology
Cool Cosmos: Ask an Astronomer: Pluto
Visit this site and learn more about Pluto. Provides the answers to kids' most frequently asked questions.