Printables
Research Parent

Solar System Cards

For Students 3rd - 8th Standards
Find all things solar system in a set of reference cards. Even Pluto makes an appearance! Each of the 24 cards has a picture and accompanying informational text that gives brief background about the object.
Unit Plan
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NASA

The Science of the Sun

For Teachers K - 6th Standards
There's more to that glowing ball of light in sky than most children realize. From the overall structure of the solar system, to the changing of the seasons, these hands-on lessons open the eyes of young scientists to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Solar System

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Looking for a cross-curricular project for language arts and science? Use this lesson to reinforce knowledge of the Solar System, as well as expository writing skills. Elementary and middle schoolers choose one aspect of the Solar System...
Organizer
Curated OER

Scale Model of the Solar System

For Students 7th - 10th
Lead your class through the procedure to create a scale model of the solar system. This resource reinforces concepts of scale and the mathematics involved, as well as the planets. Attach paperclips and staples to index cards to show the...
Activity
Star Date

Astronomy Day from McDonald Observatory Solar System Scale Activity

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Add a visual aid to your solar system lessons. Enthusiastic astronomers create a model depicting the nine planets and their distance from the sun. 
Activity
Star Date

Solar System Scale Model Demonstration

For Students 6th - 8th
Explore outer space and decorate your classroom with an astronomy project. Learners create a visual model with the creation of a scaled solar system using different sized balls.
PPT
Curated OER

Exploring the Solar System: All About Spacecraft/Spaceflight

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Rarely do you find resources that reach high school astronomy learners. Here is something at their level! The physics of flyby missions is explained via several examples. Landing, penetrating, and roving spacecraft are examined. Diagrams...
Graphic
PBS

The Planets of the Solar System

For Students 6th - 8th Standards
Launch a lesson that's sure to capture middle schoolers' interest! Exploration enthusiasts examine the planets of our solar system using an activity from PBS's Space series. The resource includes images and information for each planet,...
Lesson Plan
media.yurisnight.net

Science Lesson Plan: Our Solar System: I Wonder?

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
Ever wonder why Pluto isn't considered a planet? Or how large the Earth is compared to the other inner planets? Explore the universe with a series of projects that simulate different aspects of our solar system. The activities require...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Our Solar System - Comparing Planetary Travel Distances

For Teachers 7th - 8th
NASA presents a mini-unit on distances in our solar system. It incorporates scientific concepts of gravity, mass, density, and payload while your aspiring astronauts also employ mathematics skills. They calculate speed, they determine...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Toilet Paper Solar System

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Explore the solar system with this lesson. Learners create a model of the solar system using toilet paper. With this creative approach, learners create a solar system according to distance and scale parameters, and write down a list of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Modeling the Solar System with Celestia

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students conceptualize the solar system and the objects within it.  In this solar system lesson students create a presentation of their themes and objects then present it to the class.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Moons Of The Solar System

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students investigate the solar system and its moons. They conduct research in groups to find information. Also the teacher uses models of the planets in order to teach different facts about the solar system through the use of...
Interactive
CK-12 Foundation

Venn Diagrams: Planets and Dwarf Planets of the Solar System

For Students 6th - 8th
Yes, Venn diagrams are helpful in science, too. Learners use an interactive to classify celestial bodies as having moons, as dwarf plants, as both, or as neither. They answer a set of challenge questions based on the Venn diagrams they...
Lesson Plan
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NASA

Solar System Scale & Size

For Teachers K - 8th Standards
Use a variety of whole fruits to represent the different planets in the solar system to introduce scale sizes to your math or space science class. They follow suit by creating a non-scaled model of the solar system using specific-colored...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Solar System

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Young scholars research the nine planets on the internet using the provided links. They also search for pictures of each of the nine planets and use these pictures to create a PowerPoint slideshow. Finally, they prsent their slideshow...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

An Explorative Journey Through the Solar System

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students explore space science by creating a planetary model in class. In this solar system lesson, students identify the many planets and moons that make up the solar system and decide on one entity in which to research. Students create...
Lesson Plan
Alabama Learning Exchange

The Solar System

For Teachers 3rd - 4th Standards
Students explore the Solar System. In this cross-curriculum space instructional activity, students identify the planets, name them in order according to distance from the sun, and describe major characteristics of each planet. Students...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Nine Planets

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
A solid lesson plan on teaching the nine planets in our solar system is here for you. In it, young scientists learn the correct order of the planets, and they choose one of the planets to do a research report on. They must come up with...
Lesson Planet Article
Curated OER

Exploring the Solar System

For Teachers 3rd - 7th
Your students can learn more about our solar system with these lesson plan ideas.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Practical Illustrations of Astronomical Concepts Relating to the Solar System

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders are introduced to concepts related to the Solar System. In groups, they participate in an experiment in which they must describe a ray of light and how it travels. They draw a diagram of the electromagnetic spectrum and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Planets in Our Solar System

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Each member of a four-student group takes on a specific aspect of an assigned planet to research. After gathering information, the team works together to create a travel brochure and a presentation intended to convince other classmates...
Interactive
McGraw Hill

Solar System Builder

For Students 9th - Higher Ed
Create your own solar system using a simulation. Young scientists explore the components of a stable solar system through trial and error. Using the simulation, they place planets and watch as they orbit safely or cause fatal collisions.
Lesson Plan
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Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics

Planetary Distances on the Playground

For Teachers 3rd - 6th Standards
There's no need to stay inside; get out of the classroom and create a scaled map of the solar system on your playground field! In collaborative groups, scholars identify the distance between the sun and other planets, place planet...