Planets
Information About This Unit
Description of Learning Unit:
This fun unit introduces your child to the planets in our solar system. Children will be introduced to what the solar system is and the concept that the sun is a part of our solar system. Through a song and by making a model of the solar system, children will learn what planets are in the solar system and the order of the planets. They will also learn about Saturn and discover what the rings are made of. In addition, children will discover that Pluto is a dwarf planet and that there are currently eight planets in our solar aystem. This unit is designed to last one week, depending on how often you teach science.
List of Objectives:
- Learn what the solar system is.
- Know what planets are in our solar system.
- Understand about the size and composition of the planets.
- Discover Pluto's status as a planet.
List of Materials and Supplies Needed for This Pathway:
You will need the following supplies:
- Printer to print out information sheets
- Crayons or markers (optional)
- Erasable colored pencils
- Crayola Color Explosion markers
- Glue sticks
- Pointed tip scissors
- White paper
- Foam board
- Compass
- A round piece of cardboard about one foot across
- Lots of colors of oak tag
- Scissors
- Tape
- String
- Pencil, crayons, or markers
- Compass
- Printer supplies
- Stapler or hole punch
- String or other fastener
- Printer supplies
- A paper plate
- Scissors
- Marble
- Table
- Printer supplies
- One big, thick rubber band
Links to Free Learning Material
Links to Online Lessons:
| What is the Solar System? | (no rating) |
To understand about the planets, it is helpful to understand the concept of the solar system. This short interactive book introduces children to the solar system. They will learn that planets, asteroids, and comets are all part of the solar system.
| Planet Facts | (no rating) |
This site introduces your child to the eight planets. Children will learn what order the planets are in and an interesting fact about each planet.
| Planet Size & Composition | (no rating) |
The planets vary dramatically in size and composition. Children will learn the difference between the rocky planets and the gas planets. This site also discusses the differences in the giant planets and small planets. Be sure to view the photograph illustrating the sizes of the planets.
| Is Pluto a Planet? | (no rating) |
Many children wonder if Pluto is a planet or not. This NASA site explains why Pluto was reclassified to a dwarf planet in 2006.
Reference Websites:
| Planet Pictures | (no rating) |
This site contains beautiful pictures of each planet from the NASA archives. To view detailed pictures, click on each planet.
| Solar System | (no rating) |
Explore this National Geographic website to learn more about the planets in our solar system. The planets are organized by inner solar system and outer solar system on this site.
Hands-On Projects and Activities:
| Saturn's Brilliant Rings | (no rating) |
In this project, children will create a beautiful picture of Saturn, learn about Saturn's rings, learn some facts about Saturn, and will learn that Saturn has three distinct rings.
| Solar System Model | (no rating) |
Learn about the size and order of the planets as you make a hanging model of the solar system. While making the model, children will also discover the colors and other characteristics about the planets.
| Orbiting Marbles | (no rating) |
Tag along with Bill Nye the Science Guy as you work on an activity called orbiting marbles.
| Weightless Clothespin | (no rating) |
Have fun with Bill Nye the Science Guy learning about weightlessness in space.
Learning Tools (worksheets, drills, printables, online games, tests, etc.):
| Solar System Book | (no rating) |
Make a book about the planets.
| Planet Information Sheets | (no rating) |
Print out a planet information sheet for each of the eight planets. Have your child write information on each planet that he/she learned in the unit. You can also have your child draw a picture of each planet.
| Asteroid Belt | (no rating) |
Color the Asteroid Belt, Earth, Sun, Mars and Jupiter in this coloring page.
| View of Earth From the Moon Jigsaw Puzzle | (no rating) |
See if you can put this online jigsaw puzzle back together again.
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Free Online Video:
| Mars Rovers | (no rating) |
View this short National Geographic video on Mars Rovers. You will learn about Mars and about how the Mars Rovers explored Mars. This video also discusses the question about if there was ever life on Mars.
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Free Online Audio:
If your child is an auditory learner, this cute song is a fun way to learn about the planets.Sing the Planets (no rating)
Free E-Books (and classics available in most libraries):