Explore Kits: Solar System

GRADES K-5

Grade K-2 Lesson

Basic: Using planets pictured on a poster, the students will learn about the eight planets by coloring and matching their planets to the poster and then create an assigned planet using modeling clay.

Advanced:

Lesson 1: By using a globe to demonstrate, the students will learn the difference between revolution and rotation of planets and then using class members to role play the sun, planets, and moon, they will model revolution and rotation.

Lesson 2: After learning about constellations and then reading the stories of constellations Orion, Pegasus, and Cassiopeia, the students will create their own constellations and stories.

Grade 3-5 Lesson

Basic: Using Styrofoam moons, the students will understand the relationship between the Earth, Moon, and Sun and how moon phases are created. The students will also be able to identify the different moon phases from pictures and diagrams.

Advanced: The students will understand the location of the Earth in comparison to the rest of the Universe.

STATE STANDARDS

1.4 Use models that illustrate simple concepts and compare those models to the actual phenomenon

4.6. Identify objects (e.g., moon, stars, meteors) in the sky and their patterns of movement and explain that light and heat comes from a star called the sun.

EQUIPMENT PROVIDED IN THE KIT

  • The Planets in Our Solar System by Franklyn M. Branley

  • 10 Solar System Placemats

  • Giant Magnetic Solar System

  • Earth Globe

  • There’s No Place Like Space! By Tish Rabe

  • PLANETS – A Solar System Stickerbook by Ellen Hasbrouck

  • Faces of the Moon by Bob Crelin

  • 30 Styrofoam balls on a craft stick

  • Solar System Poster

  • 4 Flashlights

  • Orrery (Solar System Model)

  • Constellation Map

  • Knotted cord

  • Moon Orbit Spin Chart

DOWNLOADS