Solar System Activities
The lessons below are teacher-favorite lessons focused on our solar system. For more search options or to search by other science target, missions and other criteria, visit our Fast Lesson Finder. You can also search by curriculum standards on our popular Curriculum Standards Quilts.
Our Solar System Lessons:
Solar System Math -- Lesson 4: Analyzing Payload Size and Cost (Teacher Guide)
Topic: Math
Grade Level: 5-8
Body: Our Solar System
Short Description: "Solar System Math" is a series of four classroom lessons centered on pre-algebra topics such as measurement, unit conversion, ratio and proportion, scale, data analysis, and data representation. The downloadable software application, "What's the Difference," supports the lessons with engaging multimedia that accurately illustrates the size, distance and composition of the bodies in our solar system.
Solar System Math -- Lesson 4: Analyzing Payload Size and Cost (Workbook Answer Guide)
Topic: Math
Grade Level: 5-8
Body: Our Solar System
Short Description: "Solar System Math" is a series of four classroom lessons centered on pre-algebra topics such as measurement, unit conversion, ratio and proportion, scale, data analysis, and data representation. The downloadable software application, "What's the Difference," supports the lessons with engaging multimedia that accurately illustrates the size, distance and composition of the bodies in our solar system.
Solar System Math Resources (Educator Guide)
Topic: Math
Grade Level: 5-8
Body: Our Solar System
Short Description: "Solar System Math" is a series of four classroom lessons centered on pre-algebra topics such as measurement, unit conversion, ratio and proportion, scale, data analysis, and data representation. The downloadable software application, "What's the Difference," supports the lessons with engaging multimedia that accurately illustrates the size, distance and composition of the bodies in our solar system.
Solar System Math Resources (Unit Overview, jpg)
Topic: Math
Grade Level: 5-8
Body: Our Solar System
Short Description: "Solar System Math" is a series of four classroom lessons centered on pre-algebra topics such as measurement, unit conversion, ratio and proportion, scale, data analysis, and data representation. The downloadable software application, "What's the Difference," supports the lessons with engaging multimedia that accurately illustrates the size, distance and composition of the bodies in our solar system.
Solar System Scale & Size
Topic: Modeling Solar System Objects
Grade Level: K-4, 5-8
Body: Our Solar System, Mars
Short Description: Students will create a model of the solar system using beads and string, and compare planetary sizes using common types of fruit and seeds.
The Orbit Simulator
Grade Level: 5-8
Body: Our Solar System
Short Description: This simulator lets students explore many aspects of the orbits of planets -- and one comet. This could be a great teaching tool.
The Pull of the Planets
Grade Level: 5-8
Body: Our Solar System
Short Description: Students model the gravitational fields of planets on a flexible surface. Children place and move balls of different sizes and densities on a plastic sheet to develop a mental picture of how the mass of an object influences how much effect it has on the surrounding space.
The REAL Curriculum
Grade Level: 5-8
Body: Our Solar System
Short Description: The Realistic Explorations in Astronomical Learning (REAL) curriculum scaffolds several lessons on the Moon and the other objects in the solar system to build an understanding of cratering and how it is used to measure relative ages.
The Science Detectives
Grade Level: K-4
Body: Our Solar System
Short Description: Students trace the travels of Amelia Spacehart, an astronaut and radio astronomer who is searching the solar system for the source of a mysterious radio signal. Is the signal coming from an extraterrestrial intelligence? From her interplanetary NASA spacecraft, Amelia provides clues that lead students to explore features of the solar system, states of matter, lenses and magnification, and large scale measurements.
To watch the associated video, click here
The SETI Academy Planet Project: Volume 2 -- How Might Life Evolve on Other Worlds? (Standards)
Grade Level: 5-8
Body: Our Solar System
Short Description: In this soon-to-be three-volume set, fifth and sixth grade students are invited to become members of the "SETI Academy." As academy members, they explore Earth's history for clues to the possible existence of life beyond our solar system. Designed for science classes, these volumes can be used individually or in series to create a comprehensive, thematic, scientific exploration for students.
Volume 2: Through a variety of science activities, students explore the evolution of life on Earth and search for clues to the possible evolution of life on an unknown planet beyond our solar system. Synthesizing what they learn, they then learn to create life forms that could exist on that distant planet.
