solar system assignment middle school

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Solar system.

The solar system is an amazing and complex network of planets, stars, moons, asteroids, and even mysterious black holes. It doesn't matter if you're ten or fifty, just thinking about the stars and the possibilities fills the mind with wonder.

The solar system proves an abundance of learning opportunities. You can teach about astronomy, physics, or biology. It provides a huge opportunity for hands-on learning activities and science experiments. Watch their young eyes fill with wonder as they contemplate the moon and how the earth was created.

Solar System Teaching Resources

The right classroom resources help you teach about the solar system. Imagine what a few gorgeous clip art pieces or printables can do to engage your young students. TeacherPlanet.com offers a wealth of teaching resources dedicated to the solar system. Browse the site and you'll find lesson plans, worksheets and activities along with an abundance of resources and fun clip art.

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8 Hands-on Solar System Activities For Middle School Students

The solar system is one of the most intriguing topics for students. There’s so much to learn and explore, which leaves kids spellbound. While numerous books are available that deliver information about the solar system, getting kids involved in some interesting activities that raise their curiosity toward our majestic solar system is a good idea. 

The activities for middle school students must be simple yet challenging enough to get their minds thinking . Children in this age group can appreciate how planetary systems work. Therefore, giving them opportunities to dive deep into these subjects helps keep their interest alive. 

So, today we are here to share with you some fun solar system activities that will keep your students engaged in the class and leave them yearning to learn more on the subject. 

Fun middle school activities for learning about our solar system

1. solar system data spreadsheet.

Thanks to researchers and scientists, there’s so much data available about our solar system. While it is difficult to memorize it all, you can give your students a chance to collect data and discuss their findings in class. 

• Divide students into groups of 3-4 and give them a project to collect numerical data about our solar system. Some groups can work on finding data about the sun, some on planets, some on natural satellites, while others can work on celestial bodies like asteroids, comets, etc. 
• Let them know what data they must gather. For example, students can get information about the distance of planets from the sun, radius, gravity relative to Earth, orbits in terms of Earth days, data about moons, and so on.
• Give them a week to collect all the information and let them bring it in on a particular day at school.
• Allow each group to discuss their findings in class and help them prepare a spreadsheet containing all the information. 
• Don’t forget to share it with everyone so they can refer to it later. 

2. Make A Poster 

Poster-making is a fun activity for students of all age groups. It gives them a chance to be creative and use their ideas to showcase their understanding of a subject. Have students bring their choice of supplies for the activity. They might need paints, markers, glitter pens, and other items to make a poster. You can provide them with individual posters and construction paper in various colors to create an illustration of the solar system. 

Give students the freedom to use their imagination and artistic skills to depict the sun and planets in order of their distance from the sun. When kids are done, display their artwork in a poster gallery so other school students can see and appreciate it. 

3. Create a Solar System Model

This is one of the classic solar system activities every student must perform in their school years. There are several ways in which a model solar system can be prepared. Let your students do some research on how they can create a model. On a suitable day, conduct this activity in class wherein kids can bring in necessary items and make their solar system models together. 

To make things easier, you can give them a list of supplies they may use to build their model. The list could include Styrofoam balls, toothpicks, dowel rods, glue, paint, paintbrush, etc. Students can use these supplies to make their models and give a short speech on the solar system when all students have completed their models.

4. Formation of the Solar System 

The formation of a solar system is a long process involving distinct phases that lead to its creation. Before conducting this activity in class, you must have a dedicated session when you teach students the different stages of solar system formation. This activity can be an add-on to review what has been taught in class. 

• Print different phases of solar system formation and make multiple copies to distribute to each student in the class.
• Next, ask the students to cut the pictures and paste them sequentially in the correct order of solar system formation on an A4 sheet and write about it in a few sentences. 
• Collect the activity sheets and review them to understand how well students have understood the concept.
• Discuss the correct order and answer any questions students might have to reinforce their knowledge.

5. Solar Eclipse Role Play

A solar eclipse is a natural phenomenon when the Moon comes between the Earth and the Sun, concealing the Sun’s view partially or completely. Through this activity, you can help students learn about the solar eclipse and how it occurs naturally in the solar system. 

• Divide the class into groups of four students and arrange a torch and three balls – one large, one medium, and one small.
• Turn off the room’s lights so it is dark.
• Demonstrate how students can role-play a solar eclipse using the balls and a torch. 
• Call one group forward and let three students hold the balls while the fourth participant can hold the torch.
• Ask the student with the torch to stand next to the person with the largest ball, i.e., the Sun.
• Make the student with the medium ball, i.e., the Earth, stand at a distance from the Sun and let the torch shine its light upon the Earth ball.
• Now ask the student with the smallest ball, i.e., the Moon, to circle around the Earth ball, just like the moon revolves around the Earth. 
• Other students can now observe how the Moon ball restricts the view of the Sun and creates a shadow effect when it passes between the Earth and the Sun.
• Repeat this activity with every group so each student gets a chance to role-play.

In the end, you can have an open discussion on the topic where kids can talk about their thoughts on the solar eclipse and you may answer any questions they might have.

6. Moon Phases Activity

As we know, the moon can be observed in different phases over a period of the month owing to its portion that is directly lit by the sun. Here is a hands-on activity that allows students to study different phases of the moon by closely monitoring it every night. 

• Display a chart on different moon phases in the classroom. 
• Ask students to observe the moon every night and make a note of its shape in a journal. 
• Let them bring their journal to the class every day to see if others have made a similar observation.
• Compare their observations with the chart displayed in the class.

7. Guess My Name

In this activity, kids get to use their knowledge about the solar system to form clues to help other students guess the correct answer. 

• Get a handful of index cards and write the names of planets, moons, the sun, and other objects found in our solar system. 
• Fold these cards and place them all in a jar or a box.
• Call one student at a time and let them pick a card.
• They must now show the card to other students without seeing it themselves.
• Students can now give clues to the student who picked the card, who must now guess the name of the celestial body on their card. 

8. Other Celestial Bodies in Our Solar System

The solar system consists of other celestial bodies apart from the sun and planets. These include natural satellites called moons, asteroids, meteorites, and comets. To conduct an activity around various celestial bodies in our solar system, let students select a topic of their choice and research it to find details such as –

• How do you define it?
• How does it appear?
• How is it formed?
• How does it move within the solar system?
• What are some interesting facts?

Make sure you inform students that you’re not looking for numerical facts in this activity. Rather, the information must contain details about how these celestial bodies exist within the solar system. Give them some time to do their research. Now ask them to present their findings to their classmates in the form of a news report or a story. 

In Conclusion

The solar system is an interesting topic for middle school students. It is nice to see how it gets kids thinking and imagining the planetary system they are a part of. Using age-appropriate games and activities to help students learn is crucial for enriching their growing minds. Although some of the activities mentioned above may seem cumbersome, the result is a truly satisfying and inspiring experience for the students. 

Therefore, it will be a good idea to blend these activities with your lessons and allocate some time specifically for activities. Your students will enjoy these hands-on activities, and thank you for putting them together!

I am Priyanka Sonkushre, a writer and blogger. I am the person behind “ One Loving Mama ,” a mom blog. Equipped with a Bachelor’s degree along with an MBA, my healthcare background helps me deeply understand learning difficulties. I know how challenging it can be for parents to find the right resources to help their children excel in life. So, here I am to blend my healthcare expertise with my parenting experience to create valuable and helpful resources for parents and teachers supporting children with learning differences. If you wish, you can follow me on  Facebook  and  LinkedIn .

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5 Engaging Formation of the Solar System Activities

If you teach about the formation of the solar system, you probably know that finding age-appropriate activities can be a huge challenge! Teaching the solar system’s formation (or nebular theory) can seem really intimidating to sixth-grade teachers! That’s why I’ve put together these five activities for teaching about solar system formation .

This post contains affiliate links.

Activities that Teach Solar System Formation

Over the years, I’ve found some fun and engaging activities to help students learn about (and understand) the steps in the formation of the solar system.

1. Card Sorting Games

A card sort is a great activity to hook and engage students in the formation of the solar system and assess prior knowledge . I like to use simple pictures for my students to observe and sort before they learn anything about the solar system’s formation.

After they have placed their cards in order, I have students write down their predicted order of the solar system’s formation so they can refer to it and make changes as the lesson continues. You can find an easy to use card sort included in the formation of the solar system lesson .

2. Formation of of the Solar System Presentation and Notes

I love to use visuals as I teach, so I like to use a quick presentation to talk about the important steps and big ideas in the formation of the solar system. This is a good opportunity to discuss what actually happens as students record the information with notes. You can find my presentation in my Formation of the Solar System Complete Lesson & Activity (shown below).

These notes are a helpful tool that your students can refer to with the following activities.

3. Solar System Videos

Here is an easy to understand formation of the solar system video that I use with my sixth graders. It’s from NASA Space Place and their website includes a free downloadable poster of the animation.

Students also often have a hard time grasping the concept that the shape of an object spinning really fast can flatten. Spinning a water balloon on an electric drill really captures their attention and helps kids to understand this difficult concept!

Wondering how to make this demo? I created a detailed tutorial explaining the setup in my Instagram story highlights under “Lab Fun.”

4. Solar System Formation Activity (Cut and Paste)

Card sorts can be fun and engaging activities to identify and explain the steps of solar system formation. This can be easily differentiated for different abilities by having students only sort the pictures, or limit the choices to pictures and titles.

Sorts can take many forms, including paper and digital.

Sorts can take many forms including paper and digital.

After students complete their solar system sort, they write a paragraph to explain how the solar system formed in their own words.

5. Formation of the Solar System Mazes

My students are hooked on these interactive mazes ! I love them for extra practice because they are NO prep and quick to assess (just follow the pattern to check the maze!).

Two formation of the solar system mazes are included in this activity (print and digital).

• extra practice
• exit tickets
• quick assessments
• review and remediation

Learn more about the maze activity here!

Printable Lesson & Activities on Solar System Formation

Save hours of planning time with these no-prep formation of the solar system activities.

Print and go with this complete Formation of the Solar System Resource ! It includes:

• Card sort engagement / Pre-assessment activity
• PowerPoint describing the 10 stages of solar system formation
• Formation of the solar system activity (can be used as worksheets, comic strip, booklet foldable, etc.) and answer key
• Interactive Google Slide activity that is differentiated and perfect for distance learning

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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ My students enjoyed it. Great idea for visual learners. Students  used the pictures and the captions to write their paragraph about the formation of the solar system. Thank you! -Florina

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Students won’t even realize they are learning with these ready to use solar system formation maze activities.

This activity includes print & digital options, as well as two formats for differentiated instruction.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Students love to see if they can complete the maze, all the while not realizing that they are reviewing as they go along. Great option as opposed to the traditional worksheet. Love that there is both print and digital options. -Talissa

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Props and Classroom Decor

If you are looking to add themed items to your classroom while teaching this topic, consider some of these to help engage students and stimulate discussion!

• James Webb telescope Tarantula Nebula Canvas Printed Poster
• 4M Solar System Planetarium

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4 Phases of the Moon Worksheets and Activities Students Love

1. Learn about sizes and distances in our solar system

2. decide what kind of model you want to build, 3. choose where your model solar system will go, 4. calculate scale distances, 5. calculate scale planet sizes, 6. calculate combined scale distance and planet size, 7. create and display your model, 8. make a solar system on a string (scale distance model), 9. solar system on the sidewalk (scale distance and/or size model), 10. solar system in the yard (scale distance model).

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Make a Scale Solar System

Have you ever wondered about the sizes of planets in the solar system or the distances between them? In this project, you will create your own scale model of the solar system by learning how to calculate scale distances, the relative sizes of planets, or both. Then, use beads and string , sidewalk chalk , or your own creative choice of materials to build a model you can explore – or maybe even wear!

Materials of your choice for building your model (e.g., beads and string; chalk; distance markers, such as cones, ground stakes or popsicle sticks). See steps for more info.

Ruler with centimeter markings OR measuring tape

(Optional) Spreadsheet software (e.g., Excel or Google Sheets)

(Optional) Calculator

Distances in the solar system can be huge! The distance from the Sun to Neptune is nearly three billion miles (four billion kilometers). Because the distances between planets are so great, astronomers sometimes describe distances in terms of astronomical units (AU). One AU is equal to the average distance between the Sun and Earth, about 93 million miles (150 million kilometers). This allows scientists to describe and calculate distances more efficiently. For example, instead of saying, "Mars is 130 million miles from the Sun," scientists can say, "Mars is 1.5 AU from the Sun."

It's not just the distances between planets that are large. There are also huge differences in the size of each planet. Because of this, it can be difficult or even impossible to display both planet size and distance accurately, especially in smaller scale models like an image.

Watch this video about the size of planets and the distances between them to see how far they are from each other, how they differ in size, and how difficult it is to display both their size and distance accurately.

Watch en Español: Seleccione subtítulos en Español bajo el ícono de configuración. | Watch on YouTube

More solar system size and scale resources:

• Solar System Sizes and Distances reference guide – download PDF
• Solar System Trading Cards

Decide if you want your model to show scale planet sizes or the scale distances between planets. You can combine a planet-size model of one scale with a distance model of another scale. But if you want size and distance to be the same scale, you’ll need to spread your model across at least half a mile! See Step 6 for instructions on building a combined size-and-distance model.

Pick a place to set up your solar system model. This could be across a bedroom wall, along the floor of a hallway or large room, outside in a yard, or down a sidewalk.

Keep your choice in mind as you calculate the size of planets and distances between them in the next steps. You'll need to have enough materials, and your model will have to fit within the place you choose.

Instructions for building a model out of beads and string , sidewalk chalk , or yard markers are included below, but you can use any materials or any space you like!

If you're making a scale-distance model, keep reading for two different methods of calculating scale distances. For a scale-size model, skip to Step 5.

Calculate manually:

• Download the distance calculation chart ( DOCX ).
• Multiply the scale factor on the chart by the distance to each planet in astronomical units (AU). Note: When using the suggested 10 centimeters per 1 AU, you’ll need about 10 feet between the Sun and Neptune. If you want your model to span a longer or shorter distance, you can change the scale value accordingly.

Calculate using a spreadsheet:

• Download the Scale Distance spreadsheet ( XLSX or CSV ).
• Create a formula in your spreadsheet that will calculate the distance from the Sun to each planet (in centimeters) in your model. The formula should multiply the AU value by the number of centimeters you want each AU to represent, your scale value.
• A spreadsheet multiplication formula follows this format: =B3*10, where B3 is the cell with a planet’s AU distance and 10 is the scale value. B refers to the cell column and 3 refers to the cell row.

Try different scale values to make your scale model span a shorter or longer distance, depending on where you want to place it.

Once you've done your calculations, go to Steps 8-10 for a few different ideas for creating and displaying your model. You can also come up with your own creative display using your choice of materials. 

If you're making a scale-size model, keep reading for two different methods of calculating the scale sizes of the planets. For a scale-distance model, see Step 4 above.

• Download the size calculation chart ( DOCX ).
• Choose the size (diameter) you want Earth to be in your model (for example 1 cm).
• For each planet, multiply the size you chose for Earth by the multiplier value on the chart. The multiplier is a planet’s size compared with Earth. This will give you the scale size of each planet.
• Download the Scale Size Calculator spreadsheet ( XLSX or CSV ).
• Choose the size (diameter) you want Earth to be in your model (for example 10 cm).
• Create a formula in your spreadsheet that will calculate the diameter of (distance across) each planet in centimeters. The formula should multiply the size you chose for Earth by the multiplier value for each planet. The multiplier is a planet’s size compared with Earth.
• A spreadsheet multiplication formula follows this format: =B3*10, where B3 is the cell with a planet’s multiplier (its size compared to Earth) and 10 is the size you chose for Earth. B refers to the cell column and 3 refers to the cell row.

Try different values for Earth to make your scale planets larger or smaller depending on the materials you have available to represent the size of each planet.

Once you've done your calculations, go to Step 9 to find out how to make a sidewalk chalk scale model. You can also come up with your own creative display using your choice of materials.

If you are interested in a more accurate way to represent the solar system and have a lot of space (at least half a mile!) to work with, try making a model of the solar system that displays distance and planet size at the same scale. Otherwise, skip this step.

• Download the Scale Size and Distance Spreadsheet ( XLSX  or  CSV ) or the Solar System Sizes and Distances reference guide if calculating manually.

Scale Diameter / Scale Distance = Actual Diameter / Actual Distance | + Expand image

Scale Diameter (Actual Distance) / Actual Diameter = Scale Distance | + Expand image

In this example, the spreadsheet function divides the product of Earth’s scale diameter (B5) and actual distance from the Sun (E5) by Earth’s actual diameter (D5) using =(B5*E5)/D5 to find the scale distance from Earth to the sun. | + Expand image

Scale Planet Diameter / Scale Earth Diameter = Actual Planet Diameter / Actual Earth Diameter | + Expand image

In this example, the product of the scale diameter of Earth (B5) and the actual diameter of Mars (D6) is divided by the actual diameter of Earth (D5) using =(B5*D6)/D5 to find the scale diameter of Mars. | + Expand image

Scale Planet Distance / Scale Earth Diameter = Actual Planet Distance / Actual Earth Diameter | + Expand image

In this example, the spreadsheet function calculates the product of the scale diameter of Earth (B5) and the actual distance to Mars (E6) divided by the actual diameter of Earth (D5) using =(B5*E6)/D5. | + Expand image

• Repeat the previous steps for the remaining planets.
• Use a ruler, compass, string, protractor, or another tool to draw circles of appropriate sizes for each planet. You can color the circles to resemble the planets’ appearances.
• Using online mapping software, such as Google or Bing maps, right-click on the location that represents the Sun (e.g., your home) and click “measure distance” to identify where the scale planets should go. Depending on the calculated size of the scale model, you may want to check with neighbors and friends to see if they can host the more distant planets in your scale model.

Now it's time to create your model! There are lots of ways you can create and display your scale solar system. With your measurements calculated, choose one of the options below, or come up with your own.

Tie colored beads onto a string to make a scale model of the distances between planets in the solar system. You can wear your model or even display it on a wall.

• String (enough to span the distance to Neptune, plus an extra 30 cm)
• Beads, washers, or some other object to mark the distance to each planet on the string
• Calculated distances from Step 4
• Measure and cut a piece of string about 30 cm longer than the distance you calculated from the Sun to Neptune.
• Tie a bead representing the Sun to one end of the string using a double knot. If you don’t have beads, you can tie metal washers to the string, attach planet cutouts or trading cards, or simply use tape to mark the location of the Sun.
• Using the distances (in centimeters) that you calculated, measure the distance from the Sun on the string to each planet and tie a colored bead in place using a double knot. If you can, choose beads that are the colors of the planets and the Sun.
• Once you have attached all your beads or marked your planets on the string in some way, straighten out the string to see your scale solar system!

Use chalk to make a walkable scale model of the distances between planets and/or the sizes of planets in the solar system. Invite your family and friends to take a walk through your scale model.

• Sidewalk chalk
• Calculated distances from Step 4 or distances and sizes from Step 6
• Use sidewalk chalk to draw the Sun on the ground.
• Measure the distance you calculated to each planet and draw them at their scale distances.
• If you calculated the planet sizes compared with each other, measure those sizes as you draw them, giving your planets the correct diameter.
• You can draw your planets all along a single straight line from the Sun, but if you have enough space, consider drawing them at their correct distance in different spots in orbit around the Sun.

Use distance markers like cones or popsicle sticks in your yard or an open area to create a scale model of the distances between planets in the solar system.

• Popsicle sticks, cones, or other objects to mark distances
• Use distance markers like cones, ground stakes, or popsicle sticks to mark the locations of the planets at the distances you calculated.
• Attach drawings or cutouts of the planets to their markers.

Details and Share

Solar system.

This lesson is designed to help students understand that “the orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns.

Grade Level: K - 2nd

Length of time: about 45 minutes, objectives & outcomes.

Students will be able to spell and recite the eight planets of our solar system, list the main components of our solar system, and demonstrate the movement of these components in our solar system.

Materials Needed

• poster paper
• white board
• dry erase markers
• The Magic School Bus: Lost In The Solar System by Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen

Opening to Lesson

Students give ideas and participate accordingly, as I fill out the blank K-W-L organizer as a whole class, using large chart paper.

Body of Lesson

Direct teaching.

Move to the reading area of the room (floorrugspecific corner, etc) Read aloud to the class. The Magic School Bus: Lost In The Solar System by Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen

(CFU: Ask questions throughout or after reading the book, in order to keep their attention and assess what they understand)

Guided Practice 1

Model the rotation and revolution of the planets around the sun. (Use a large sheet of paper or poster board that can hang around the students necks… label each with the name, a picture, and a fact or two so that students can know the spelling as well as visualize the planets.

Have one student spin in the middle (sun) as other students (planets) spin as they go around the sun. Have students rotate and revolve at different speeds to show there are differences in the planets’ orbits and rotations.

(CFU: Use students to represent the sun and planets… so to know students understand.)

Guided Practice 2

Teach students a mnemonic device about the solar system to help them learn the names of the planets. Have students make a mnemonic flip sheet: Lift the flap to view the Planet name. “My Very Excited Mother Just Served Us Nachos.”

(CFU: Walk around the class as students create their flip sheet and recite the mnemonic device aloud to their partner while their partner says the corresponding planet.)

Independent Practice

Make a model of the solar system: Have students dip their paintbrush in the paint and then quickly run their index finger along the bottom of the bristles to splatter the paint onto the paper. This creates a background that looks like stars. While these are drying, have students color and cut out the sun and planets from the solar system template and glue

Cut a piece of black cardstock into two 4x12 inch strips. Glue or tape the two strips together end-to-end to create a long piece. Mix white (or glow in the dark) paint with a small amount of water to thin the mixture.

(CFU: Display the finished models or staple the two ends together to form a fun circular hat for students to wear)

Pair share with their table partner, then a few select groups (or all!) can present to the class as a whole.

Assessment & Evaluation

Through guided questions, close monitoring and informal observation; the teacher will be able to assess student’s ability and understanding of the subject being introduced. Through individually assessing during independent practice and reviewing during guided practice the teacher will be able to evaluate students.

Modification & Differentiation

Students may work in groups or individually in order to complete their solar system assignment. In order to accommodate for all students, allow extra time to review for lower students and extra worksheets to occupy the time of advanced students.

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Solar System

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We have one, but some planets have dozens.

Europa: Jupiter's Ocean World

Learn more about this icy moon of Jupiter!

Why Does the Moon Have Craters?

It's not because the Moon gets hit by meteors more often...

What Is the Kuiper Belt?

The icy bits past Neptune’s orbit

Where Does the Solar System End?

The Oort Cloud!

Why Are Planets Round?

And how round are they?

All About Mercury

The smallest planet in our solar system

Where Does Interstellar Space Begin?

Interstellar space begins where the sun’s magnetic field stops affecting its surroundings.

Jumping the Tallest Cliff in the Solar System

How far would we have to travel to get there?

What's It Like Inside Jupiter?

Jupiter's core is very hot and is under tons of pressure!

What Is a Planet?

The answer isn't so simple...

How Did the Solar System Form?

The story starts about 4.6 billion years ago, with a cloud of stellar dust.

Write your own zany adventure story!

Make Oreo Moon Phases!

For the New Moon, you must eat all the creme filling!

Make No-Bake Moon Cookies!

These are yummy and need no baking!

What Is a Meteor Shower?

What causes them?

Make asteroids you can eat!

Make yummy potatoes look like asteroids.

Why does Saturn have rings?

And what are they made of?

Make a CD Saturn

Turn an old CD into Saturn's rings.

A Planet Without a Sun?

Astronomers may have found a planet without a sun!

Space Volcanoes!

Explore the many volcanoes in our solar system using the Space Volcano Explorer.

Thirsty? Have a comet!

Could they have brought the water to our planet?

Gallery of NASA Solar System Images

Glorious planets and moons to view or print.

Voyager 1 and 2: The Interstellar Mission

These spacecraft traveled to the outer planets!

High Tide on IO!

What do you get when you cross an earthquake with a tidal wave?

Play Solar System Switch-a-Roo!

Put clues together to find the planets and moons.

NASA Pumpkin Stencils

Paint pumpkins with space and Earth science designs

Printable Space Valentines

Share these with your friends and family!

What Is a Barycenter?

And how does it help us find new planets?

DSN Uplink-Downlink: A DSN Game

Help the big antennas gather data from the spacecraft.

Mission to Jupiter: Juno

Help Juno reveal Jupiter's true nature.

Build a model spacecraft to explore the solar system!

Paper models of your favorite solar system explorers. This link takes you away from NASA Space Place.

Download SpacePlace iPhone Games!

Join the SpacePlace Community!

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

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41 Galactic Solar System Projects for Kids

Inspire your budding astronomers!

You’d be hard-pressed to find a kid who isn’t drawn to space exploration. The solar system is filled with endless wonders and mysteries that help grow children’s interest in science. We have, however, come a long way since the days of hanging mobile solar system models (not that there’s anything wrong with that). From edible solar systems to large-scale chalk outlines, we found plenty of creative solar system projects to inspire budding astronomers.

1. Create an edible solar system

We love solar system projects that are equally effective as a lesson on healthy eating and science! Grab a variety of fruits, veggies, and meats, then have students get to work creating their solar system snack.

Get tutorial: Edible Solar System

2. Make play dough planets

First, make some DIY play dough or, if you’re in a pinch, buy some in a variety of colors. Then, show your students different photos and renderings of the planets so they can mold them. Finally, draw rings with white chalk on a sheet of black construction paper to represent the solar system.

Get tutorial: Play Dough Planets

3. Create a solar system on a paint stick

Solar system projects that are simple and require minimal preparation and supplies are some of our favorites! This one fits the bill since all you will need are paint sticks, painting supplies, clothespins, and some markers.

Get tutorial: Paint Stick Solar System

4. Build a space snow globe

Surely every adult remembers making a homemade snow globe at some point in their childhood. Re-create these memories with your children or students while also learning about the planets and solar system.

Get tutorial: Space Snow Globes

5. Learn about constellations with free printable cards

First, download the free PDF of these constellation flash cards. Then, print them and cut them out. Then have your students test their knowledge of the various constellations found in the sky. If they have access to a telescope at home, they can use them to identify what they are looking at.

Get printable: Constellation Flashcards

6. Simplify the solar system

This solar system project demonstrates how close each planet is to the sun. A yellow button makes for the perfect sun while paper dots work great as the planets.

Get tutorial: Solar System Button Model

7. Use plastic lids as planets

This project puts the concept of upcycling to good use. Have your students save all their various bottle caps and lids before you plan to do this project. Paint them as necessary and lay them out on some black paper to represent the various planets in the solar system.

Get tutorial: Plastic Lid Planets

8. Build a solar system out of LEGO

Kids love LEGO and they love anything space-related, so this project is a win-win in our book. Ask friends and family to donate LEGO bricks that their kids have outgrown so you have plenty of blocks for your students to work with.

Get tutorial: LEGO Solar System

9. Wear a solar system

Have students paint different-size wooden beads to look like the various planets. Once the paint is dry, seal them with a clear coat. Then have students string them onto a chain or string.

Get tutorial: Solar System Necklace

10. Use balloons and rice to build planets

Watch these adorable twins explain how to build models of the planets using rice and balloons. Once the models are complete, display them on plastic cups that are labeled with each planet’s name.

Get tutorial: Balloon Planets

11. Create a solar system using mixed-media art

You will need several days to complete this project, but the end result is just so cool! First, use a pipette and liquid watercolors to paint cotton rounds to resemble the planets. Then, use dark fabric to fill an embroidery hoop. Supply your students with acrylic paints so they can paint the fabric. Students should be encouraged to add sequins or glitter to the wet paint since they will make for a more realistic-looking night sky. Finally, have them glue their planets wherever they want.

Get tutorial: Mixed-Media Solar System

12. Paint rocks to resemble planets

Since rock painting is always fun, why not try painting rocks to resemble the planets and the sun? Once done, you can lay them out on a piece of black card stock. Be sure to use fine-tip permanent paint pens so you can really capture the details, and even leave them outside for friends to find.

Get tutorial: Rock Planets

13. Play solar system bingo

Print the free bingo cards, then gather some glass gems or buttons to use to cover the spaces. This game would make for the perfect reward for good behavior since it is so fun!

Get printable: Solar System Bingo

14. Map out the solar system on the floor

Some solar system projects require considerable preparation but are totally worth it. We especially love that this one is interactive.

Get tutorial: Solar System Map

15. To Pluto or not to Pluto

Begin by having students read two articles: one about why Pluto should be reinstated as a planet and one about why it should not. Then have them pick the best fact from each article and make their own personal decision on the issue. Once they make their decision, they’ll create a poster stating their opinion and the reason for it. Finally, have them create an astronaut of themselves to show how they voted.

16. Use stickers to create a space scene

Use a splatter technique to create the backdrop for your solar system scene. Purchase planet stickers like these in bulk so kids can easily build their solar systems.

Get tutorial: Solar System Sticker Craft

17. Craft a solar system garland

While not a free printable, we think this affordable solar system coloring page is perfect for creating a garland you can display around your classroom or home. Have plenty of colored pencils and markers on hand so students can engage in some stress-reducing coloring!

Watch video: Planet Garland

18. Read books on the solar system

There really is no substitute for a good book when teaching students about a topic like the solar system. Stock up on some popular titles, then display them in your classroom library so students can read up on the planets and stars.

Learn more: Our Favorite Books About Space

19. Make pipe cleaner planets

If you’re a pre-k or elementary school teacher, odds are you already have a drawer or box full of a variety of pipe cleaners. Put them to good use by having your students make these adorable pipe cleaner planets.

Watch video: Pipe Cleaner Planets

20. Create and wear a solar system hat

It’s probably best to pre-cut the black strips before doing this project with your students. Once the strips have been cut, have your students splatter paint on them. While the bands are drying, have your students cut and color the planets using a free printable . Then glue the sun, planets, and labels onto the hat.

Get tutorial: Solar System Hat

21. Map out the solar system outside

This project incorporates math as well science since you will need to measure the planets for an accurate comparison. All you need is chalk and some space for this easy project.

Get tutorial: Chalk Solar System

22. Play with a solar system spinner

Print this free game board, then place the fidget spinner in the middle. Have your students play and see how quickly they can recognize the various features of the solar system.

Get printable: Solar System Spinner

23. Make a Styrofoam planet model

You can’t have a list of solar system projects without the good old-fashioned Styrofoam ball model. Grab some Styrofoam, paint, and skewers and get to work!

Get tutorial: Styrofoam Planet Model

24. Make solar system bookmarks and fact cards

Print out solar system fact cards to have kids quiz each other or as writing prompts for research projects. The bookmarks are a great way to reinforce what they learned while reading.

25. Fashion planets from yarn and papier-mâché

This project is going to take a lot of time and you will need a few days to complete it, but these yarn planets will be totally worth it. You can even get some command strips and string and hang them from your classroom’s ceiling once done.

Get tutorial: Papier-Mâché Planets

26. Line up the planets

This simple project demonstrates to students how far each individual planet is from the sun. All you will need is construction paper, glue, and markers.

Learn more: Planet Lineup

27. Make planets from coffee filters

Place paper plates under a coffee filter to contain any mess, then have students color the filters with markers. Once colored, spray water over them to get the final watercolor-like effect. Finally, cut them to size and display them around your room.

Get tutorial: Coffee Filter Planets

28. Explore NASA’s website

NASA has an excellent website that includes so, so many resources to explore all about space and the solar system.

Learn more: NASA Solar System Exploration

29. Do some stargazing

This is a project that can either be done at home or during an evening outing. The Museum of Natural History’s website has an entire section full of tips for kids on stargazing.

Learn more: Astronomy Guide

30. Make marshmallow constellations

Get some books and other resources on constellations, then challenge your students to create constellations with marshmallows and toothpicks. (Be sure to have plenty of extra marshmallows since you know little stargazers love to snack!)

Get tutorial: Marshmallow Constellations

31. Make some solar system slime

Kids love slime, but be prepared for a day filled with mess! Solar system slime and clay planets are a fun (and messy) way to explore space.

Get tutorial: Solar System Slime

32. Turn planets into peg dolls

This is one of the more unique solar system projects we’ve seen. Grab yourself some peg dolls at your local craft store or Amazon in varying sizes and shapes. Then give kids some paint and let them design them to look like the sun and planets.

Learn more: Lovely Lottys Homework

33. Spin the planets on a penny

This is another planet spinner, but this time using a penny instead of a fidget spinner. Show the kids a diagram of the solar system, have them draw it on a white coaster-sized circle, and then cut a slit in the middle. Make sure the adult cuts the hole. Then place a penny in the middle to stand in as the sun. Once they’re made, kids will have a blast seeing how fast they can spin their solar system.

Learn more: Solar System Penny Spinners

34. Print a moon with pom-poms

This is the perfect solar system project for toddlers or preschoolers. Simply turn a paper plate upside down, put some gray paint on a palette, and then let kids dab pom-poms in the paint and apply them to the plate. You can talk to the kids about the surface of the moon and craters while they craft.

Get tutorial: Pom-Pom Printed Moon Craft

35. Take a tour of the ISS

Ever wonder what it’s like to spend time in the International Space Station? Wonder no more because you can take a tour with this informative video!

36. Create a solar system bracelet

While we already had a solar system necklace on our list, this bracelet was too pretty not to include. Plus we think it would make a great gift idea too!

37. Use magnets to make a solar system

Solar system magnets plus a white board are a great way to let kids explore the planets, sun, and other aspects of the solar system. It’s also an easy, store-bought solution if you are short on time.

Buy it: Magdum Solar System Magnets

38. Run a gravity experiment

This is a really cool experiment that will teach kids about gravity and centripetal force in a hands-on way. The experiment involves dropping plastic eggs filled with marbles from varying heights and then recording the speed with which they fall to the ground.

Get tutorial: Gravity And Centripetal Force in Our Solar System

39. Test your aim

Kids learn best when having fun, so why not add this solar system dartboard to your indoor recess repertoire?

Buy it: BooTaa Large Dart Board for Kids

40. Take a field trip to a football field

Show your students this video so they really understand the size and scope of the solar system. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could take them out to the football field to have them reenact the video to really drive the point home.

41. Roll out some toilet paper

Use a roll of toilet paper and some printable planets to demonstrate the scale of the solar system and how far apart the planets are from one another and the sun. This is a great activity to do outside on a nice day.

Learn more: Space Unit for Kids

Can’t get enough space? Check out these  Out of This World Space-Themed Classroom Ideas .

You Might Also Like

38 Space Activities for Kids That Are Out of This World

You don't need to be a rocket scientist to enjoy these! Continue Reading

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FREE K-12 standards-aligned STEM

curriculum for educators everywhere!

Find more at TeachEngineering.org .

• TeachEngineering
• Solar System!

Unit Solar System!

Engineering Connection

Engineers apply their understanding of science (laws of motion, energy transfer, solar energy, water cycle, moon phases, gravity, spectroscopy, materials science, human body, chemical analysis) and math (geometry, data collection, velocity calculations, navigation, satellite tracking, fuel efficiency, calculating spacecraft maneuvers) to creating the spacecraft vehicles, equipment, tools and methods to explore our solar system.

If students are interested in astronauts, space walks, rockets, rockets and images of the distant universe, they might want to pursue their dreams and become engineers. More than just aerospace engineers work in the space industry. Biomedical, chemical, mechanical, electrical and computer (and other) engineers work together to make spacesuits, design life support systems, create new materials for spacecraft, and design control systems, cameras, communications, etc. The space industry provides endless opportunities—requiring a wide range and depth of study and expertise. Teams of engineers follow the steps of the engineering design process to create telescopes, deep space antennas, spacecraft, planetary rovers and even how to eat in microgravity, as well as conduct research and cultivate international cooperation.

Educational Standards Each TeachEngineering lesson or activity is correlated to one or more K-12 science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) educational standards. All 100,000+ K-12 STEM standards covered in TeachEngineering are collected, maintained and packaged by the Achievement Standards Network (ASN) , a project of D2L (www.achievementstandards.org). In the ASN, standards are hierarchically structured: first by source; e.g. , by state; within source by type; e.g. , science or mathematics; within type by subtype, then by grade, etc .

See individual lessons and activities for standards alignment.

Unit Schedule

The following schedule provides a suggested order of the lessons and activities. However, you may choose to only teach some of the activities – as your time and priorities permit.

• Destination Outer Space lesson
• Rocket Power activity
• Blazing Gas lesson
• Our Sun and Heat Transfer Basics: Heat It Up! activity
• Mercury and Venus lesson
• Spacecraft Design: Beat the Heat activity
• Our Big Blue Marble lesson
• The Great Gravity Escape activity
• What Happened to the Water? Designing Ways to Get and Clean Water  activity
• Moon Walk lesson
• Lunar Lollipops activity
• Mars and Jupiter lesson
• A Roundabout Way to Mars activity
• Are We Alone? activity
• Edible Rovers activity
• The Outer Planets lesson
• Slingshot to the Outer Planets activity
• Life in Space: The International Space Station lesson
• Lunch in Outer Space! activity
• Muscles, Muscles Everywhere activity
• Beyond the Milky Way lesson
• Building a Fancy Spectrograph activity
• The North (Wall) Star activity

Worksheets and Attachments

More curriculum like this.

Students learn how engineers navigate satellites in orbit around the Earth and on their way to other planets in the solar system. In accompanying activities, they explore how ground-based tracking and onboard measurements are performed.

Students are introduced to the International Space Station (ISS) with information about its structure, operation and key experiments.

Students acquire a basic understanding of the science and engineering of space travel as well as a brief history of space exploration. They learn about the scientists and engineers who made space travel possible and briefly examine some famous space missions.

Contributors

Supporting program, acknowledgements.

This digital library content was developed under National Science Foundation GK-12 grant no. 0338326. However, these contents do not necessarily represent the policies of the NSF, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government.

Last modified: March 29, 2022

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• Resource Library
• Deeper Learning Model
• Solar System

Education Standards

Virginia science standards of learning 2018.

Learning Domain: Grade 6

Standard: The student will investigate and understand that the solar system is organized and the various bodies in the solar system interact. Key ideas include matter is distributed throughout the solar system.

Standard: The student will investigate and understand that the solar system is organized and the various bodies in the solar system interact. Key ideas include planets have different sizes and orbit at different distances from the sun.

Standard: The student will investigate and understand that the solar system is organized and the various bodies in the solar system interact. Key ideas include the understanding of the solar system has developed over time.

Standard: The student will investigate and understand that there is a relationship between the sun, Earth, and the moon. Key ideas include Earth has unique properties.

Original lesson plan Google Doc

Solar system - 5e lesson.

This lesson includes activites at all stages of the 5E model.  When possible multiple options were provided at each stage.

Cover Image:  "solar system"  by  Philippe Put  is licensed under  CC BY 2.0

Essential Questions

How does a planet's characteristics differ depending on its distance from the sun?

What distinguishes solar bodies such as dwarf planets, meteors, asteroids and comets from one another?

What impact does the sun’s gravity have on the solar system?

How have the discoveries of space using technology and mathematics changed our understanding of the solar system?

How does Earth support biodiversity of life?

The goal of this phase is to capture students’ attention and interest for the purpose of preparing them for learning content and/or practices.

Provide one or choices of the Engage options to students:

Solar System Jigsaw - Teachers guide

Galactic Explorer on Merge Cube - Teacher guide

Scale Model of the Solar System ( video) or  EdPuzzle video   - Teacher guide

Additional Notes

Merge Cube activity requires a handheld device (iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android)

Merge Cube template can be downloaded and cut out: MergeCube.com/paper-pdf   (or you can purchase)

Print using cardstock for best performance

MERGE Explorer App is free with in-app purchases for Windows , Mac , and Android

Skip the free trial when opening the app

Galactic Explorer is a free activity without an account

Scale Model video - check your school filters to ensure students can watch this video housed on Vimeo

The exploration phase provides concrete experiences where students investigate phenomena, observe patterns, and/or encounter discrepant events that build upon knowledge and practices from the Engage Phase.

Provide one or choices  of the Explore options to students:

Solar System Webquest - Teachers guide

Advancements in Exploration Timeline - Teacher guide  

Consider allowing partners to work together on the webquest.

The numbers of objects explored can be reduced for different students.

Advancements in Exploration Timeline should be a multi-day or long term group project.

The essential knowledge and practices with which students engaged and explored, are now made clear and comprehensible.  This is also an opportunity for students to explain their understanding of the concept or practices.

Provide one or choices of the Explain options to students:

Lesson (same content - different delivery)

• Google Presentation - Teachers guide
• Nearpod - Teachers guide
• Moon to Mars Bingo ​​​​​​​

Additional notes:

Moon to Mars Bingo requires preparation: provide vocabulary list in advance to study, cut vocabulary strips, print/cut/laminate boards - or print blank boards for students to add words.  If conducted as a station - students can take turns pulling the words for everyone to mark on their card, or one person can be the word puller

Elaborate/Extend

The intention is to facilitate the transfer of concepts and abilities to related, but new situations.

Provide one or choices of the Extend options to students:

Two-Voice Poetry - Teacher Guide

Create a model of the Solar System

Class Project- Teacher Guide

Individual Project - Teacher Guide

​​​​​​​ Additional Notes

Two-Voice Poetry can be assigned as individual or partner work.

Some students may choose to work alone, others may need a partner to complete the assignment

The intention is for students to reflect on their new learning.

Formative assessment is provided throughout the learning options presented in this lesson.

• Formative assessment is located in these activities:
• Solar System Webquest  
• Advancements in Exploration Timeline  
• Two-Voice Poetry
• Creating digital versions of a scale model is located in the "Create a model of the Solar System" activities - both the  Class Project and Individual Project  

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24 Middle School Astronomy Activities: DIYs, Bulletin Boards, Observations, And Discussions

April 7, 2024 //  by  Sharayah Lynn Grattan

There is so much to explore and discover in your middle school astronomy unit! From space exploration and black holes to mapping stars and following the moon; all the mysteries and wonders of the universe are just waiting to be uncovered! We have printables, crafts, books, and many other resources to use for an excellent introduction to the basic concepts and development of modern astronomy. Browse through our 24 hands-on activities and pick a few that will encourage your students’ eyes to look to the stars!

1. Edible Moon Rocks and Reading Activity

To get your middle schoolers ready to make these delicious space-inspired chocolate moon rocks, assign them Tanner Turbeyfill and the Moon Rocks.  This adorable book is the perfect addition to your astronomy unit-  telling tales of a young boy’s trip to the moon looking for space rocks. After reading, bring in some chocolate chips, honey, and space sprinkles to create edible moon rocks!

Learn More: Rainy Day Mum

2. Clothes Pin Solar System

Here is a scale model of the solar system that is small, easy to put together, and can be used as a teaching tool or classroom decoration when finished! Bring in some large paint sticks for the base of the craft, then label and paint clothes pins for the planets. 

Learn More: 123 Homeschool 4 Me

3. DIY Rocket Launcher

This is an engineering and astronomy project that encourages students to use their creativity and ingenuity to design a system that can launch a plastic bottle into the air! Follow the instructions and have the materials ready for your students to try.

Learn More: Sky At Night Magazine

4. Solar System Bracelet

I bet your middle schoolers will love wearing the solar system on their wrists! This is such a cute and simple way to teach and remind students about the layout of planets and our place in the solar system. You can design your own bracelet template depending on the beads you have available.

Learn More: For Montana

5. Compare and Contrast: Moon and Earth

How much do your students really know about the moon and Earth? This can be a review activity or an introduction to your astronomy unit to test students’ prior knowledge and see what needs to be revised and covered in more detail.

Learn More: Pinterest

6. Info Pamphlet for Visiting Earth

Once you have provided your students with facts and knowledge about the Earth, it’s time to put their promotional pamphlet-making skills to the test! You can create your own as a guide for students to get ideas to make their own and share with the class.

Learn More: Crayola

7. Planet Report

Instead of your typical facts sheet about all the planets, show students how to make a fun and colorful tab book. By creating and paging through drawings and information, the order and general information about the planets will be easy to remember and share!

Learn More: The Applicious Teacher

8. “Out of This World” Bulletin Board

How cute and special is this bulletin board? It can be fun and engaging to decorate your classroom board for each unit, so for the astronomy unit, make your middle schoolers into astronauts by printing out coloring pages of figures and placing their faces on them.

9. NASA on Twitter

Twitter and other social media outlets can be useful educational tools for students to observe deep space images, space telescope contributions, facts about space exploration, black holes, and more! Ask students to check the NASA page on a weekly basis and share their findings.

Learn More: Twitter

10. Hubble Website

Fascinating and informative for any age, the Hubble site is full of beautiful pictures, activity stations for the night sky, lithographs, and concepts in astronomy that your students will be itching to tell their classmates and friends.

Learn More: Hubble Site

11. What’s My Age Again?

Time to discover just how whacky our solar system is by helping your students calculate how old they would be on another planet! The concept of objects in space traveling at various speeds and distances will be more concrete when students can relate it to their own experience of time.

Learn More: Exploratorium

12. Levels of Radiation Lesson

How can we determine levels of chemical radiation and how they interact with the world around us? This astronomy project sets up a scenario for students to find the levels of radiation in different materials as objects in space. Students will test types of radiation with Geiger counters and solve problems.

Learn More: Teach Engineering

13. McDonald Observatory

This website has useful facts, tips, and virtual tours to help your students see billions of stars at night. This page has links to previous talks, space telescope footage, and tours, as well as a resource page with activity ideas and overviews of the basic concepts of gravity and other aspects of astronomy.

Learn More: McDonald Observatory

14. Shadow Play

Grab some chalk and head outside with your students to see how the sun moves and changes throughout the day as the Earth rotates. Students can be split into teams or pairs and take turns standing still while the others draw an outline of their shadow on the ground. 

Learn More: Star Date

15. Weekly Planetary Radio

This awesome website publishes weekly episodes where different experts talk about topics related to astronomy; such as space exploration, forms of radiation, new technologies for viewing stars at night, and so much more! Ask your students to listen each week and have a class discussion.

Learn More: Planetary

16. Books About Space and Astronomy

There are so many incredible books out there written for teens about space exploration, fiction, and nonfiction. With captivating characters, stories, and deep-space images and illustrations, your students will be inspired to reach for the stars!

Learn More: Reading Middle Grade

17. DIY Kinesthetic Telescope

Here is a hands-on astronomy science project that gets students familiar with vocabulary related to the subject, as well as working together to create their own visual narratives related to the telescope. Print and cut the words and play association games so students understand what each basic concept means and how everything works together.

Learn More: CFA Harvard Edu

18. Gravity Pull on Planets Experiment

Time to build a model to demonstrate the concept of gravity and how it interacts with planets and satellites. This science fair project turned classroom activity uses marble and some clay on a cookie sheet to show how gravitational pull prevents satellites and other extraterrestrial objects from being lost.

Learn More: Science Buddies

19. Reasons for Seasons

There is science behind the seasons, and this visual chart shows how the Earth’s tilt affects the amount of sun each part receives. This key relationship is the reason for the seasons and why they are extremely closer to the poles.

20. Seasons Origami

Here is an interactive resource showing how the sun’s light source can affect the seasons on Earth. You can print out the worksheet and guide your students on how to cut and fold so they can use it for review or as a fun game to test their knowledge.

Learn More: Twinkl

21. DIY Spectrometer

Physics is an important component of astronomy that can help students understand how variables interact and create certain phenomena in the universe. Help your students work in teams to make their own spectrometers to view colored images of light sources at safer levels.

Learn More: Fizzics Education

22. Astronaut Virtual Role Play

Watch this video with your students about what being an astronaut is like. How it feels to float, live on the International Space Station, and be a space traveler! After watching, have students write down some questions and have a class discussion.

Learn More: NASAJPL Edu

23. Make Your Own Sundial

Looking to measure the days of Summer, or want to demonstrate the key relationship of light and shadow reacting to the Earth in relation to the sun? Help your students make their own sundials with some basic craft materials, a compass, and a stopwatch.

Learn More: Amateur Astronomy

24. Astronomy Geoboard

Time to get crafty and map out the night sky with these unique geoboards for promising space travelers. Reference beautiful pictures of constellations and create star designs with rubber bands and pins.

Learn More: Babble Dabble Do

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• Scientist Engagement
• Planetary ReaCH
• Educational Resources
• About Our Solar System

Earth and Space Science News

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• Planetary ReaCH News

Earth and Space Science Classroom Activities and Resources

Free middle school classroom activities and resources to meet Earth and space science standards: plate tectonics, lunar phases, seasons, and more.

STEP, a NASA-funded project, assembled Earth and space science classroom activities and resources while working with Houston area educators to provide professional development in Earth and Space Science to thousands of teachers. Each Earth and space science topic includes hands-on activities, some inquiry activities, and powerpoints and additional resources.

Weather and Climatic Interactions This topic addresses TEKS 8.10 (a,b,c) and connects strongly to physical concepts of energy transformation, light, absorption, and seasons.

Rock Cycle: Processes of Rock Formation and Erosion This topic covers TEKS 6.10 (B and D) and supports 8.9 (C).

Components of the Solar System An overview of the Solar System and scale activities, definitions and misconceptions, and an introduction to gravity.

Lunar Phases This topic addresses TEKS 8.7 B, regarding demonstrating and predicting the sequence of events in the lunar cycle.

Seasons This topic addresses TEKS 8.7A, regarding modeling and illustrating how the tilted Earth revolves around the Sun causing changes in seasons. Students should understand the scale of the solar system and the Earth’s revolution around the Sun before this topic is addressed.

Tides This topic addresses TEKS 8.7C, relating the position of the Moon and Sun to their effect on ocean tides. Students should understand the cause of lunar phases, and have an introduction to the concept of gravity, before tackling this topic.

Electromagnetism, light-year, spectroscopy, imaging This topic addresses TEKS 8.8 (C and D) with activities to build student understanding of the spectrum, light years, and how we measure distances.

Characteristics of objects in the Solar System Looking at the planets, moons, Sun, comets, and asteroids: discussing with respect to images and spectra.

Cracking Up: Plate Tectonics Explore the relationship between landforms, earthquakes, and plate tectonics, through an examination of the data.

Characteristics of the Universe These resources and activities are geared toward meeting the 8th grade TEKS 8.8 A-E, and build upon the content included in Components of the Solar System and Electromagnetism, Light Year, Spectroscopy

Nature of Science These resources focus on understanding how science works and what a hypothesis and theory are.

Living in the Solar System This topic includes TEKS 7.9 A and B, and connects to and reinforces 6.11 A and C.

Natural Resources and Ecosystems This topic includes TEKS 7.8 A, B, and C — the impacts of natural catastrophes on ecosystems; watersheds; and weathering, erosion, and deposition by Texas ecoregion.

Planning a Workshop This topic included discussions on planning workshops, with a focus on the 1 hour CAST workshops.

Topographic Maps and Satellite Images STEP Scientist Mentors

STEP Scientist Mentors

Overarching Discussion and Resources:

  STEP Participant Initial Input   Science / Earth and Space Science Concept Inventories   Creating a Workshop: Notes from Facilitators’ and Teachers’ Perspectives

The Earth-Moon-Sun System This unit contains resources about the scale of the Earth-Moon system, lunar rotation and revolution, eclipses, shadows and how the amount of daylight on Earth changes as a function of seasons.

Workshop Presentations

PowerPoint. Click to download the MS Powerpoint file (5.2 Mbytes). Includes videos embedded in file.

HTML . Cl ick to view the presentation in html format. Videos may be viewable depending on browser and operating system.

PDF. Click to view or download the presentation in PDF (1.9 Mbytes). Videos will not work in this version

Online lecture Click here to view a streaming lecture discussing the rotaion and revolution of the Moon, the phases of the Moon and eclipses. (~12 minutes)

Classroom Activities

Phases of the Moon. This student activity demonstrates the phases of the Moon as observed from Earth using masks. PDF Word document

Predicting the Phases of the Moon. In this activity, students examine the dates for the different phases of the Moon and determine the number of days between each phase (using a calendar). From these data, students are predict the date of the next Full Moon.

• Student data sheet. PDF Word Document
• Teacher Key. Word Document

Demonstrating the Rotation and Revolution of the Moon. This student activity demonstrates how the Moon rotates on its axis at the same rate that it revolves around the Earth. PDF Word Document

Scale Model of the Earth-Moon System. Using Sports Balls. In this activity, students develop a scale model of the Earth-Moon system and then evaluate and revise their models. This activity was developed by a team of Grade 8 science teachers from the San Lorenzo USD.

• Teacher facilitation guide. PDF Word document
• Student worksheet. PDF Word document
• Formative assessment. PDF Word Document

Stick Model of the Earth-Moon System. This simple device illustrates the scale (distance and relative sizes) of the Earth-Moon system. The model can also be used to demonstrate lunar and solar eclipses and the phases of the Moon. PDF Word Document

It's Only a Paper Moon. The relative motions of the Earth-Moon-Sun is complex. In this activity, students make a simple orrery that illustrates the motion of the Earth around the Sun and the Moon around the Earth. An orrery is a mechanical device that models the motions of planets and moons in our solar system.

• Student instruction sheet PDF Word document
• Orrery template (best printed on card stock) PDF

Shadows and the Rotation of the Earth. In this activity, students collect data on shadows (length and direction) outdoors during the day as the Sun moves across the sky. Then students analyze the data that they collected and make predictions. In the second part, students create a tabletop model of the outdoor experiment in the classroom using a flashlight as the Sun to better understand the data that they collected.

Modeling Axial Tilt and Daylight. In this simple activity designed for Grade 5, the length of daylight during a day at different times of the year is investigated. PDF

Does the Amount of Sunlight Change During the Year? In this activity designed for Grade 5, students consider and plot the amount of daylight during the day as a function of season and location on the Earth (latitude). PDF

Online Video and Media Resources

NASA Lunar and Meteorite Disk Program. NASA has samples of lunar rocks and meteorites available for loan to K-12 teachers. Click the link tind out more infomation about this program.

Exploring the Moon Educator Guide. This online guide by NASA contains classroom activiities for grades 4-12 about the Moonwith with an emphasis on exploring the Moon.

If the Moon Were Only One Pixel. This interactive website presents an accurate scale model of the solar system at the scale where the Moon is represented by one pixel on your computer screen.

Lunation video. This YouTube time-lapsed video shows the phases of the Moon from a new Moon to a full Moon and then back to the new Moon. Lunation is the period of time from one new Moon to the next new Mooon. In this video, the same face of the Moon always faces the Earth but different portions of it are illuminated by the Sun demonstrating that the period of rotation is the same as the period of revolution of the Moon.

Evolution of the Moon This video examines the origin of the Moon and how its surface has been modified by impacts. NASA/GSFC

Lunar Eclipse Essentials This video examines the occurrence of lunar eclipses as the moon passes into the Earth's shadow. NASA/GSFC

A Private Universe This landmark documentary examines how deeply our students hold onto scientific misconceptions. It's 20 minutes long and well worth the time. Look for the VoD (Video on Demand) link to view the film.

Inquiry Based Teaching of the Solar System This video follows how a teacher uses inquiry methods to teach about the scale of the solar system in a middle school classroom.

Is Poop on the Moon? This short video discusses how astronauts . . um. . relieve themselves. This is a good discussion with engineering applications to an everyday problem. Minute Physics.

How Far Away is the Moon? This short video discusses the relative scale of the Earth and Moon and the problem with many diagrams that are not to scale and can mislead our students. Veritasium.

Useful Websites

NASA (main website) www.nasa.gov This is the main entry point for NASA's extensive web resources. You can enter different areas such as NASA mission websites including data and news, educational resources and image/multimedia collections.

NASA Missions www.nasa.gov/missions/index.html This page lists past, current and future NASA missions and is a great starting point for investigating the wide variety of NASA missions and investigations.

NASA Education Resources Database search.nasa.gov/search/edFilterSearch.jsp?empty=true This NASA website is a searchable database on NASA-developed educational resources, activities, lesson plans, and webquests.

NASA Science nasascience.nasa.gov This is the website of the NASA Science Mission Directorate. It includes mission information, data and resources for current missions in the following areas: Earth, Heliophysics, Planets and Astrophysics.

Kinesthetic Astronomy www.spacescience.org/education/extra/kinesthetic_astronomy/#dl

NGSS Disciplinary Core Ideas

Grade 1 ESS1.A: The Universe and its Stars Patterns of the motion of the sun, moon, and stars in the sky can be observed, described, and predicted. ESS1.B: Earth and the Solar System Seasonal patterns of sunrise and sunset can be observed, described, and predicted.

Grade 5 ESS1.A: The Universe and its Stars The sun is a star that appears larger and brighter than other stars because it is closer. Stars range greatly in their distance from Earth. ESS1.B: Earth and the Solar System The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.

Middle School ESS1.A: Patterns of the apparent motion of the sun, the moon, and stars in the sky can be observed, described, predicted, and explained with models. Earth and its solar system are part of the Milky Way galaxy, which is one of many galaxies in the universe. ESS1.B: The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them. This model of the solar system can explain eclipses of the sun and the moon. Earth's spin axis is fixed in direction over the short-term but tilted relative to its orbit around the sun. The seasons are a result of that tilt and are caused by the differential intensity of sunlight on different areas of Earth across the year. The solar system appears to have formed from a disk of dust and gas, drawn together by gravity.

High School ESS1.A: The Universe and Its Stars The star called the sun is changing and will burn out over a lifespan of approximately 10 billion years. The study of stars' light spectra and brightness is used to identify compositional elements of stars, their movements, and their distances from Earth. The Big Bang theory is supported by observations of distant galaxies receding from our own, of the measured composition of stars and non-stellar gases, and of the maps of spectra of the primordial radiation (cosmic microwave background) that still fills the universe. Other than the hydrogen and helium formed at the time of the Big Bang, nuclear fusion within stars produces all atomic nuclei lighter than and including iron, and the process releases electromagnetic energy. Heavier elements are produced when certain massive stars achieve a supernova stage and explode. ESS1.B: Earth and the Solar System Kepler's laws describe common features of the motions of orbiting objects, including their elliptical paths around the sun. Orbits may change due to the gravitational effects from, or collisions with, other objects in the solar system.

Common Scientific Misconceptions

Phases of the Moon are caused by a shadow from the Earth.

Different countries see different phases of the Moon on the same day.

The Moon goes around the earth in a single day.

The Moon makes light the same way the Sun does.

Lunar and solar eclipses occur every month somewhere on Earth.

☺ Like this page? Want something different? Tell me what you think jeff.seitz@csueastbay.edu

Science Partnership

The Science Partnership is a collaborative project lead by the California State University, East Bay and the Alameda County Office of Education.

Who are we?

Teach Earth Science staff include CSUEB faculty and staff from ACOE.

The Science Partnership is generously supported by the California Science Project, the National Science Foundation, the California Department of Education.