solar system assignment middle school

By signing up, you agree to our privacy policy .

Sign Up for our FREE Newsletter!

Lesson plans.

Lesson Templates
Certificates
Find Grants
Fundraising

Search for Resources

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.

Coloring Pages

top education news, lesson ideas, teaching tips, and more!

No thanks, I don't need to stay current on what works in education!

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 .

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.

A blue plate has various pieces of fruit and meats labeled as different planets and the sun (solar system projects)

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

planets are made from play dough. They are on a black piece of paper with white swirls drawn on to be the 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

A wooden paint stick has been painted black with different colored planets painted on it. Clothespins are shown beside it with the names of planets on them (solar system projects)

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

A snow globe made from an upside down jar has glitter and planets inside it (solar system planets)

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

Flashcards in purple and neon yellow are shown with constellations drawn on them. (solar system projects)

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

A yellow button stands in as the sun. Different colored dots are shown coming from black lines that are meant to be the planets (solar system projects)

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

Different size plastic caps and lids are painted and used to demonstrate the planets on a black background.

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

planets are built out of Legos. A little girl is shown setting them up in a line. (solar system projects)

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

A child's hands are shown holding a necklace that has beads in the place of planets (solar system projects)

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

A little boy and a little girl stand behind models of all of the planets (solar system projects)

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

A blue embroidery hoop has different round cotton pads on it that are painted to look like 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

Rocks are painted to look like planets and the sun and are laid out on a black background (solar system projects)

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

A bingo card says solar system bingo across the top. It has pictures of various things from space on it.

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

A little boy sits on a large black, felt map that has planets laid out on it and labeled (solar system projects)

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

Bulletin board featuring student designed posters about the planet Pluto.

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.

A plate has yellow paint on it with a paintbrush. A solar system scene has been painted and planet stickers have been stuck to it (solar system projects)

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

Screenshot of video on how to make planet garland.

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

The top part of a child's head is shown wearing a homemade headband that has the sun and planets on it (solar system projects)

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

The sun and planets have been drawn largely on blacktop.

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

A printable game board has a fidget spinner pictured in the middle with the planets surrounding it in a dial formation.

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

Styrofoam balls are painted to look like the sun and planets and are attached to a larger styrofoam base with skewers.

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

Printable solar system fact cards and bookmarks on a desk.

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.

Planets made from yarn are shown haning from a ceiling (solar system projects)

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

A construction paper sun sits at the top of the page. Different colored strips of paper are labeled with the various planets in descending order to show how close and far planets are from the sun.

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

A child's hands are shown coloring a coffee filter with marker. Several planets that have been made from coffee filters are also shown.

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

hands are shown assembling different constellations from toothpicks and marshmallows.

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

A little girl is holding a wooden box that has 9 peg dolls designed to look like the sun and planets.

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

A small white circle has black swirls and circles drawn on it to look like the solar system. A penny is in the middle vertically.

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

A black background has stars and a large moon made from a paper plate.

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!

A little boy stands in front of a white board that has magnetic planets on it in this example of solar system projects.

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

The picture on the left shows two open plastic easter eggs with marbles inside. The picture on the right shows them closed and beside a tape measure.

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

A soft dartboard is shown with the solar system on it. Small velcro balls of different colors are also shown.

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.

A roll of toilet paper is shown. Some of it is unraveled in a line on a grass field with paper planets.

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 .

Kids absolutely love learning about everything space. Engage that curiosity with one of these solar system projects!

32 Great Space Books To Celebrate the Release of Disney’s New Movie Lightyear

Share the wonders of the cosmos with your students. Continue Reading

Solar System

Solar System explores the world around Earth, particularly the planets and the asteroid belt. Students will discover interesting facts about each planet, including their orbit and rotation times and the elements from which they are made. They will also learn the order of the planets and be able to compare and contrast them.

The “Options for Lesson” section provides several suggestions for alternative or additional things to do during the lesson. One such suggestion is to have students use a multimedia presentation, such as PowerPoint, to present the information they researched for the second activity.

Description

Additional information, what our solar system lesson plan includes.

Lesson Objectives and Overview: Solar System teaches students about the eight planets and other parts that compose our solar system. Students will discover facts about each of the planets and learn about the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. This lesson is for students in 4th grade, 5th grade, and 6th grade.

Classroom Procedure

Every lesson plan provides you with a classroom procedure page that outlines a step-by-step guide to follow. You do not have to follow the guide exactly. The guide helps you organize the lesson and details when to hand out worksheets. It also lists information in the yellow box that you might find useful. You will find the lesson objectives, state standards, and the number of class sessions the lesson should take to complete in this area. In addition, it describes the supplies you will need as well as what and how you need to prepare beforehand.

The Solar Systems lesson plan requires quite a few extra supplies and some preparation. In addition to the handouts, you will need compasses, string, plain white paper, glue or tape, black construction paper, scissors, rulers with millimeter units, and other supplies students would need for their planet presentations. You also need to ensure they have access to the internet or other sources for research purposes.

To prepare for the lesson, create labels for the eight planets, the sun, and the asteroid belt. Locate an area to do a scale model of planet distances from the sun, such as a large field near the school. Collect compasses and string to draw circles with, and create a scale model of the sun to display in the classroom. Alternatively, you could ask for a student volunteer to create it during the lesson using yellow paper. Make sure the “sun” is 54.8 inches in diameter.

Options for Lesson

The “Options for Lesson” section of the classroom procedure page lists several suggestions for additional activity, alternate ways to approach aspects of the lesson, and so on. Most of the suggestions relate to the activities specifically. Students could work alone for one or both activities if you prefer. You could also eliminate one of the activities if you don’t have time to do both. For the second activity, you may want students to turn in their work rather than present them to the class. Alternatively, you could require students present during the second activity using PowerPoint or similar presentation software. One option that doesn’t relate to the activities suggests making Step 16 of the classroom procedure guide a writing assignment rather than just a discussion point to wrap up the lesson plan.

Teacher Notes

The paragraph on the teacher notes page provides an extra bit of information or guidance as you prepare. It suggests you take advantage of the abundance of information online about the solar system. It advises you to make this lesson as hands-on and creative as possible to fully engage students as they learn. Use the blank lines on this page to write down any other ideas or thoughts you have before delivering the lesson to your students.

SOLAR SYSTEM LESSON PLAN CONTENT PAGES

Introduction.

The Solar System lesson plan has two pages of content. The lesson introduces the topic by describing how many stars are visible in the night sky. These stars are millions and millions of miles away. They are all part of other solar systems, not ours. A solar system includes a sun (which is a star itself) and the planets and other objects that travel around it.

Our sun is a star just like all the others in the night sky. The sun is far closer to the Earth, which is why it is so much bigger and brighter than the others. It is mostly a big ball of gases, which includes hydrogen and helium. The planet that orbits closest to the sun is Mercury. The next one, and the hottest of the eight planets, is Venus. Following Venus are Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

Speaking of orbits, an orbit is the path a planet takes when traveling around the sun. It takes on more of an oval shape than a perfect circle. Not every planet’s orbit takes the same amount of time. For Earth, it takes about 365 days to orbit the sun, which is why we consider one year to be 365 days long.

A Year and a Day

A year for Earth is not the same as a year for other planets in the solar system if a year equates to the time it takes a planet to completely orbit the sun. However, it is useful to compare the orbits of other planets using what we call Earth years and days. The lesson provides a chart that lists the planets’ orbits using Earth days and years as the unit of measurement.

Mercury’s orbit takes 88 days total. That means that it orbits the sun just over four times in a single year. It takes Venus 224 days to completely orbit the sun, and Mars takes 687 days. The outer four planets take much longer. Jupiter’s orbit is 11.8 years, Saturn’s is 29.6 years, and Uranus’ is 84.3 years. Neptune takes the longest at 165 Earth years! The further away the planet is from the sun, the longer it takes that planet to orbit the sun.

The lesson then provides students with a chart of the planets’ daily rotation times. The amount of time a planet takes to rotate on its axis differs from other planets just as its orbit does. This amount of time is what we consider the length of a day. For Earth, of course, it takes 24 hours to spin on its axis in a full rotation. Again, the length of a “day” for other planets is not the same as it is for Earth, but the lesson compares each planet’s day using Earth’s time units.

Mercury takes 60 whole days to rotate once around its axis. Venus takes 243 days. Students may recognize at this point that a day for Venus is actually longer than a year! Mars takes about the same time as Earth. It rotates fully in 24.3 hours. Jupiter only takes 9.8 hours. Saturn spins completely around on its axis in 10.2 hours. Uranus spins in 17.1 hours, and Neptune takes 16 hours. This time, the further a planet is from the sun, the less time it takes to rotate (except for Neptune).

Other Cool Facts about the Solar System

The last page describes the types of planets that our solar system contains. Our planets come in different sizes and are comprised of various substances. The four inner planets are made of rock that contains many different minerals. The four outer planets, on the other hand, are mostly made up of gases. Jupiter specifically is mostly helium, hydrogen, and water. The outer planets also have rings that encircle them.

Students will learn a little about other objects that float around in the solar system. Six planets have moons, for instance. A moon is an object in space that orbits another body (like a planet) in space. Earth only has one moon, but other planets have many more.

The asteroid belt is another interesting feature of our solar system, located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. It contains thousands and thousands of asteroids, which are space rocks that scientists believe are leftovers from the beginning of the solar system. Some are very large and can be miles and miles across, but most asteroids are small.

Here is a list of the vocabulary words students will learn in this lesson plan:

Star: a big ball of gas burning in space
Orbit: the path a planet takes to travel around the sun
Moon: a celestial object (object in space) that orbits another body in space
Asteroid belt: a belt of tons of asteroids that float between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter
Asteroid: a space rock that scientists believe are leftover pieces of rock from the beginning of the solar system

SOLAR SYSTEM LESSON PLAN WORKSHEETS

The Solar System lesson plan contains three worksheets—two activity worksheets and a homework assignment—and an address card. The worksheets will help students solidify the concepts they learned about throughout the lesson. The address card is for the opening of the lesson. The guidelines on the classroom procedure pages explain when to hand out the worksheets to the class.

COMPARING PLANET SIZES ACTIVITY WORKSHEET

For this activity, students will work with a partner to create a poster that shows the different sizes of the planets in the solar system. First, they will draw the circles to the scale on the right side of the worksheet. Then they will cut out each circle and glue them onto black construction paper in order. Then, they will label the planets and title the poster. Finally, they will answer four questions on the second worksheet.

PLANET RESEARCH ACTIVITY WORKSHEET

For the next activity, students will work with a partner to research a specific part of the solar system. You will assign each group a specific piece of the solar system to research and present on. The worksheet lists the instructions and provides a number of data points that the students should include in their presentations. They will need to be creative, rather than simply gathering the information and reading it off to the class.

SOLAR SYSTEM CROSSWORD PUZZLE HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT

The homework assignment requires students to solve a crossword puzzle. There are 19 words and descriptions in total.

Worksheet Answer Key

The lesson plan document provides an answer key for the homework worksheet near the end. It provides the answers in red to make it easy to compare with students’ responses. If you choose to administer the lesson pages to your students via PDF, you will need to save a new file that omits this page. Otherwise, you can simply print out the applicable pages and keep this as reference for yourself when grading assignments.

ADDRESS CARD

There is an address card at the very end PDF that you will use at the beginning of the lesson. Follow the instructions on the classroom procedure page for guidance.

Thank you for submitting a review!

Your input is very much appreciated. Share it with your friends so they can enjoy it too!

Solar system

I really appreciated this product during our Solar System Unit. The video was engaging and the hands on activities where so helpful for my 5th graders to understand the positioning of the planets to each other and the Sun. I would use other Learn Bright products in the future.

Very useful! Great resource!

Excellent Supplemental Materials

I love having this material available for my students. They are brightly colored, interesting, and incredibly easy to use.

The units are nice and they have lots of options, however I would have liked to see more in depth and longer units. That being said, for a free resource, it’s pretty awesome!

Really interesting, usefull and clear

Related products

Careers: Astronomer

Lewis and Clark Expedition

Make Your Life Easier With Our Lesson Plans

Stay up-to-date with new lessons.

Lesson Plans
For Teachers

Be a pro at CER! Get the FREE 7-page guide!

Beakers and Ink

Elementary & middle school science resources for the busy teacher.

5 Engaging Formation of the Solar System Activities

February 27, 2022

Five engaging activities for teaching formation of the solar system to middle school students.

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 .

Five engaging activities for middle schoolers on the formation of the solar system.

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.

Downloadable middle school lesson and activity on the formation of the solar system.

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.

Downloadable lesson and activity for teaching solar system formation

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

What Buyers are Saying!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This was a great resource to teach a difficult topic. The materials were easy to use and the directions were clear and concise. I was very happy with this product! -David

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I used this with my 8th grade class. It was helpful that there was a digital version for students who were placed in quarantine. I loved the simplicity of the formation of the solar system, and it has options on how to make a graphic organizer out of it! -Erica

solar system formation mazes for middle school

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

Solar system formation lesson and mazes for middle school

BUNDLE BOTH OF THESE BEST SELLING RESOURCES TO SAVE 20% !

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

Are you a busy science teacher?

Let me help! First, I'll send you the FREE resource library password. Then get weekly updates with new strategies and resources for your busy science classroom! Best of all, I'll notify you when new products are released because they're always 50% off for 48 hours!

Brought to you by CU Engineering (University of Colorado Boulder)

FREE K-12 standards-aligned STEM

curriculum for educators everywhere!

Find more at TeachEngineering.org .

TeachEngineering
Solar System!

Unit Solar System!

Two images: Graphic shows our solar system— a huge, glowing orange orb surrounded by concentric rings, each containing a smaller, colored orb. Two female astronauts in orange spacesuits.

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.

preview of 'Not So Lost in Space' Lesson

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

preview of 'Life in Space: The International Space Station' Lesson

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.

preview of 'Destination Outer Space' Lesson

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

User Comments & Tips

Skip to primary navigation
Skip to main content
Skip to primary sidebar

Teaching Expertise

Classroom Ideas
Teacher’s Life
Deals & Shopping
Privacy Policy

24 Middle School Astronomy Activities

November 7, 2022 // 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

Red and orange sprites light up the dark blue sky, looking like fireworks. A few stars appear as faint white dots in the sky and a silhouette lines the very bottom of the photo. Credit: Copyright Panagiotis Tsouras

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

Bright in the Middle

Rigorous and Fun Science Activities

A WOW Factor Planets Lesson Plan for Middle School – 5 ideas!

Earth Science , Middle School Science , WOW Factor Lessons

Do you teach about the solar system in middle school and are looking for a planets lesson plan that will be super engaging for your students? Read more below to learn how you can create your own planet lesson plan using the WOW Factor !

Besides biology, one of my favorite things to talk about is the planets and the solar system. It is absolutely fascinating to know that there is so much out there. What’s funny about it is that our solar system doesn’t even touch the amount that is out there. So neat!

However, the planets of our solar system are fascinating by themselves. The fact that we can know details about them and they are so far away is super cool too.

In this post, I will share how you can relay this cool information to your students. First, I will share some WONDER strategies that you can do with your students to help them become engaged and internally motivated to learn more about the planets. Second, I will share an interactive lesson that your students will love! Finally, I will share some WIDEN activities your students can do to take a deeper dive in learning about the planets.

Which will you add to your planets lesson plan?

lesson plan about planets with the WOW Factor - picture of planets and the sun

WONDER Strategies of Your Lesson Plan About Planets

Begin with a wow factor lesson on solar system.

Before teaching about the planets, I think it’s important to learn about the solar system in general so that students can understand the planets’ place in the solar system. You can even branch out and discuss our solar system’s place in the universe!

Well, how do you have an introduction to and introduction? What? You can still bring the WOW Factor in teaching about the solar system and then jump right into the planets deep dive. You can create your own planet lesson plan!

What am I talking about? Here’s the solar system WOW Factor lesson plan . You can choose some WONDER activities from here, and then dive into both the solar system and planets lesson that I will discuss below.

For example, you can use the Sky Map app to explore the planets, but also the constellations, stars, nebulae and other items in the solar system. This will get them excited about all there is out there.

After, you can dive deeper into interactive lessons (I’ll discuss this more below!)

You can create the planets lesson plan right for you!

planets in the solar system lesson plan wonder strategies - picture of woman looking in the sky

Find the Planets!

Already touched on the solar system, but are looking for another engaging WONDER strategy? You can have your students look for the planets with their naked eye.

Check out the time and date website. You can see the planets visible in the night sky for your location. The day before you teach your lesson, visit this site as a class.

After you find your location, you can see what planets will be visible in the night sky (or morning sky) with the naked eye, or even with binoculars.

Give your students a homework assignment to go out and see if they can find the planets!

This is a fun assignment to add to the beginning of your planets lesson plan!

Planets Interactive Lesson

Above, I’ve mentioned some awesome lessons that will engage your students. So, here they are.

Interactive lessons are engaging and fun lessons that students can go through independently or as a class. When they do, they learn the content, but are better able to retain the content due to embedded interactive activities.

The embedded activities allow for the content to be separated into chunks with students processing the information before moving on to learn more. This helps to reduce student cognitive load .

In addition, there are other things included in these lessons that reduce cognitive load such as highlighting important information, starting simple, and taking out unnecessary information.

For learning about the planets, this planets interactive lesson is perfect! They will take a closer look at each planet and learn about the characteristics that make each planet unique. They also will explore things such as what makes a planet a planet, the inner and outer planets, and the moons on planets of the solar system. It’s great to add to your planets in the solar system lesson plan.

The embedded activities included things such as drag-and-drop activities, questions, a KWL, exploring an interactive solar system, and more!

This is a great lesson to pair with the solar system interactive lesson !

This lesson can be found in the Bright in the Middle shop .

It can also be found on TPT .

These are great planets lessons.

Widen Strategies for Your Lesson Plan on Planets

If you are still wanting to customize your solar system and planets WOW Factor lesson, you can always use a WIDEN strategy to discuss the whole solar system . You could also do a solar system WIDEN strategy and take good look at WIDEN strategies for the planets only! Here are two ideas to add to your planets lesson plan!

Deep Dive into Planets

One thing that you can do is a planet research project! Since there are 8 planets (poor Pluto!), you can split your class into 8 groups and give them each a planet to research.

Here are some things that they should research for each planet.

axis of rotation
time it takes to orbit the Sun
planet’s atmosphere
planet’s mass
interior of the planet
special characteristics
and anything else you want to add

How are they going to present the project?: any way you want them to! You can have them to present with a traditional poster board or a slides presentation, but you can also have your students present their findings in other ways such as:

a filmed documentary
a brochure to share with an alien
a RAFT assignment

There are so many ways! I love this list by Minds in Bloom that share creative ways for students to share information on a topic!

Toilet Paper Solar System

Size and scale is an important concept for middle school students to work to grasp. Why not work on this skill with the solar system planets!

In this activity by the Astronomical Society of the Pacific , students can building a scale model of the solar system using a toilet paper roll!

This lesson give you all of the instructions and information.

I love it because it’s simple to follow. It gives you the number of squares of toilet paper from the Sun for each planet! It even has our little dwarf planet, Pluto.

This activity is fun and engaging. You’ll also need to take a “field trip”. The toilet paper can get long, so you’ll need to do this in a hallway or in the gym. You might be able to do it outside if the wind is calm.

Enjoy creating your WOW Factor planets lesson plans!

Help your students master science content!

Reader Interactions

Middle School Planet Poster as an Astronomy Project: Project Instructions

Terrie Schultz
Categories : Lesson plans for middle school science
Tags : Teaching middle school grades 6 8

How Schools Can Turn the Solar Eclipse Into an Unforgettable Science Lesson

If the weather cooperates, science students of all ages could be in for quite a show on April 8. The first sign will be a sudden temperature drop. The sky will darken, and winds will shift. A dark shadow will appear on the horizon. Faint waves of light may waft across the ground. A ring of bright light will shine from the outer edges of the otherwise darkened sun. Then the moon will cover the sun completely and, for a few seconds, a thin red layer may appear around its outer rim.

This fantastical display describes a total solar eclipse, which happens in the same place on the planet only an average of once every 366 years, according to experts . It’s also the sort of once-in-a-lifetime occurrence that can get kids super excited about science—a worthwhile goal, especially amid a barrage of reports of disengaged students and sky-high rates of absenteeism .

The impending total solar eclipse raises several questions for educators—from how best to expose students to both its sheer magnificence and its value as a learning tool to, more broadly, how to infuse other ‘real world’ science lessons into the classroom. To get answers to these questions, Education Week reached out to science education guru Dennis Schatz, a senior fellow at the Institute of Learning Innovation, past president of the board of directors for the National Science Teaching Association, and advisor to the Smithsonian Science Education Center.

Image of a colander casting a shadow on a white paper as one way to view the eclipse using a household item.

Schatz advocated for a carnival-like atmosphere to celebrate the coming eclipse; even, as he noted, several school districts will cancel school that day. He also shared his general thoughts on how teachers can generate interest in ‘real-world’ science learning and the obstacles that too often prevent it. Here’s an edited version of the conversation.

What is your overarching philosophy of science education?

Dennis Schatz, senior fellow, Institute for Learning Innovation; past president, NSTA Board of Directors; senior advisor emeritus, Pacific Science Center.

A fundamental philosophy of mine is to make science life-long, life-wide, and life-deep.

What do you mean by ‘life-deep’?”

There’s the workforce development focus of this; that is, the demand for STEM professionals. But life-deep also means getting involved and interested in science at a level that’s appropriate for you. You may be an accountant, but you may like to watch the National Geographic Channel or read science books and, if so, that’s an appropriate depth for you.

Where does engagement in science start?

Having been involved in schoolwide reform efforts, I’ve done a lot of work with teachers in the classroom, although I’ve never actually taught in one. Making science more engaging for students is probably the biggest challenge at the elementary school level, because not many elementary school teachers are trained in science. So the real goal, especially at the elementary level, is how to build enthusiasm in teachers so they can then get students excited.

So, what works?

It can start by getting teachers to think about how to use their local environment, or local community, to generate interest in science. For example, in the Northwest, salmon is a big issue [ declining numbers in recent years have been blamed on climate change and human development], so that can be a way to generate interest—either from an environmental perspective or a food perspective. There are a lot of different real-world connections to be made with salmon for people who live in the Northwest.

What about getting students excited to experience the solar eclipse?

Absolutely, the solar eclipse can be awe-inspiring, and it can be fun. I was talking to a teacher recently who said: I don’t want to make it like a fire drill, where you take the students outside, with their glasses, take a look at the eclipse, and go back in. There’s a whole range in how districts are treating the [upcoming] eclipse. It takes two and a half hours, from beginning to end. Watching the eclipse slowly go across the sun is like watching ice melt. So you want to think about ways in which you can make it into a fun experience. Enlightened administrators will encourage building an entire event around it: Think art activities, food, music.

Tyler Hanson, of Fort Rucker, Ala., watches the sun moments before the total eclipse on Aug. 21, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (John Minchillo/AP) Illustrated with a solar eclipse cycle superimposed.

How far in advance would you suggest teachers begin preparing students for the solar eclipse?

It’s about two weeks out, and in the back of my mind, I’m saying: It’s way too late. I guess you could try to cram it all into just one day, but I would recommend spending more time in advance. Ideally, well before the eclipse, teachers will bring some science activities into class that model what’s happening with the phenomenon. There are many other real-life examples to draw from: Every six months, there’s at least one lunar and one solar eclipse somewhere on the Earth.

Will most schools use the eclipse as a learning opportunity?

A huge number of districts are canceling school for a variety of reasons; one is liability. In the Midwest and Northeast, the eclipse happens at the end of the school day, and people are worried about safety issues and higher-than-normal traffic during the point of totality [when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun]. In these cases of school closures, teachers who plan in advance can share information with students about how to experience the eclipse safely , and they can in turn go home and teach their parents.

How do you recommend students experience the eclipse?

I think glasses are overrated. When you look through a pair of glasses, you get this little yellow dot. There are so many indirect ways to view the eclipse. One of my favorites is with a basic kitchen colander . If you stand with your back to the sun and hold the colander so the sun’s light shines through it onto the ground or a wall, inside the colander’s shadow you’ll see many tiny images of the eclipsed sun.

Other tips for good viewing of the eclipse?

You want to find a place in the sun that’s not obscured by shadows, somewhere away from tall buildings. At most schools, this might be a playground area. I recommend going out a couple days ahead of time and finding out where the shadows are going to be, so you can avoid them. And of course, the most important element is clear weather.

When the eclipse is over, how can science teachers maintain students’ excitement about the natural world?

There are so many phenomena to observe and study—certainly in astronomy, from meteor showers to lunar eclipses—and all kinds of weather events, like hurricanes and earthquakes. You have to be sensitized, as a teacher, to think: I’m going to use these events to motivate an interest in science.

What resources do you suggest for teachers who want to stay informed about real-world science lessons?

The NSTA publishes three journals for educators, targeting elementary, middle, and high school students. I also like the New York Times’ science section. There’s also Scientific American magazine, which has moved from being a journal for scientists and now is much more geared for the lay audience.

So, if resources are available, what gets in the way of teaching real-world science lessons?

For teachers, it’s often a matter of figuring out: How do I feel like I have the freedom to move away from what I’m supposed to teach? Things are so standards-driven these days, there’s just no time or ability to deviate. Plus, you’re worrying about how kids are going to do on tests, and so many other things—social-emotional learning, safety. But if you aren’t generating an ongoing interest in the scientific phenomena that you can see and experience, then you’re doing a disservice to students.

Sign Up for EdWeek Update

Edweek top school jobs.

Education Week opinion letters submissions

Sign Up & Sign In

Humans in Space

Earth & climate, the solar system, the universe, aeronautics, learning resources, news & events.

2024 Total Solar Eclipse Broadcast

In November 1969, Apollo 12 astronauts returning from Moon experienced a solar eclipse as the Earth blocked the Sun shortly before splashdown

Eclipses Near and Far

Scientists Pursue the Total Solar Eclipse with NASA Jet Planes

Search All NASA Missions
A to Z List of Missions
Upcoming Launches and Landings
Spaceships and Rockets
Communicating with Missions
James Webb Space Telescope
Hubble Space Telescope
Why Go to Space
Astronauts Home
Commercial Space
Destinations
Living in Space
Explore Earth Science
Earth, Our Planet
Earth Science in Action
Earth Multimedia
Earth Science Researchers
Pluto & Dwarf Planets
Asteroids, Comets & Meteors
The Kuiper Belt
The Oort Cloud
Skywatching
The Search for Life in the Universe
Black Holes
The Big Bang
Dark Energy & Dark Matter
Earth Science
Planetary Science
Astrophysics & Space Science
The Sun & Heliophysics
Biological & Physical Sciences
Lunar Science
Citizen Science
Astromaterials
Aeronautics Research
Human Space Travel Research
Science in the Air
NASA Aircraft
Flight Innovation
Supersonic Flight
Air Traffic Solutions
Green Aviation Tech
Drones & You
Technology Transfer & Spinoffs
Space Travel Technology
Technology Living in Space
Manufacturing and Materials
Science Instruments
For Kids and Students
For Educators
For Colleges and Universities
For Professionals
Science for Everyone
Requests for Exhibits, Artifacts, or Speakers
STEM Engagement at NASA
NASA's Impacts
Centers and Facilities
Directorates
Organizations
People of NASA
Internships
Our History
Doing Business with NASA
Get Involved
Aeronáutica
Ciencias Terrestres
Sistema Solar
All NASA News
Video Series on NASA+
Newsletters
Social Media
Media Resources
Upcoming Launches & Landings
Virtual Events
Sounds and Ringtones
Interactives
STEM Multimedia

Expedition 71

grayscale view of lunar surface with a smeared streak in the center of the image

NASA’s LRO Finds Photo Op as It Zips Past SKorea’s Danuri Moon Orbiter

Hubble Peers at Pair of Closely Interacting Galaxies

NASA Astronaut Loral O’Hara, Expedition 70 Science Highlights

2021 Astronaut Candidates Stand in Recognition

Diez maneras en que los estudiantes pueden prepararse para ser astronautas

image of an astronaut posing next to 3D printer aboard the space station

Optical Fiber Production

A satellite image from December 2023 showing a large, sediment-rich plume from the Mississippi River spreading down the Gulf Coast of Louisiana and Texas following winter rains.

How NASA Spotted El Niño Changing the Saltiness of Coastal Waters

Earth Day Toolkit

A woman stands on the left side of the image, seen from the waist up. She wears a white clean suit that covers her arms, torso, and over her head. She also has on a white mask that covers her nose and mouth and blue latex gloves. Behind her and to the right in the image is a large, rectangular piece of equipment - the PACE satellite. The side of the satellite visible is black and reflects light off it. Behind the woman and PACE is a large wall that has a green gridded pattern on it.

Veronica T. Pinnick Put NASA’s PACE Mission through Its Paces

NASA Names Finalists of the Power to Explore Challenge

Artist’s concept depicts the NEOWISE spacecraft

NASA’s NEOWISE Extends Legacy With Decade of Near-Earth Object Data

How NASA’s Roman Telescope Will Measure Ages of Stars

Amendment 8 A.44 Earth Action: Health and Air Quality Applied Sciences Team Final Text and Due Dates.

Introduction to Spectrum

Jake Revesz, an electronic systems engineer at NASA Langley Research Center, is pictured here prepping a UAS for flight. Jake is kneeling on pavement working with the drone. He is wearing a t-shirt, khakis, and a hard hat.

NASA Langley Team to Study Weather During Eclipse Using Uncrewed Vehicles

A silver aircraft model with eight propellors hovers in this image with green circles showing the motion of air moving around the propellor and blue waves flowing below showing the motion of air coming from the propellors down to the ground.

NASA Noise Prediction Tool Supports Users in Air Taxi Industry

Illustration showing several future aircraft concepts flying over a mid-sized city with a handful of skyscrapers.

ARMD Solicitations

Princeton University undergraduate Kate Sheldon in a lab, holding a rectangular device in both hands

Tech Today: Synthetic DNA Diagnoses COVID, Cancer

David Woerner

NASA Partnerships Bring 2024 Total Solar Eclipse to Everyone

Dr. Makenzie Lystrup shakes hands Dr. Carolyn R. Lepre at a table, with Dr. Laurie Couch and Dave Pierce standing behind them.

NASA, Salisbury U. Enact Agreement for Workforce Development

A rocket launches against a blue sky. A cloud of dust gathers below the rocket.

NASA Wallops to Launch Three Sounding Rockets During Solar Eclipse

Harnessing the 2024 Eclipse for Ionospheric Discovery with HamSCI

La presentación del X-59 de la NASA personifica la tradición aeronáutica

Nasa releases new solar eclipse educational materials.

Abbey Interrante

The My NASA Data website, feature Solar Eclipse materials against a backdrop of an image of Earth.

To help learners of all ages understand how to safely observe the Oct. 14, 2023, annular solar eclipse and the April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse , NASA has released a new set of resources for educators.

My NASA Data, in collaboration with the NASA Heliophysics Education Activation Team (NASA HEAT), has released a new set of resources for educators centered around solar eclipses. My NASA Data allows students in grades 3 through 12 and their teachers to analyze and interpret NASA mission data. It also supports educators in the integration of authentic Earth systems data into their instruction.

The My NASA Data solar eclipse resources include lesson plans, mini-lessons (shorter activities for quick engagement), student-facing web-based interactives, and a longer “story map,” which deepens the investigation of the phenomenon over multiple class periods. Engage learners with data collected during past solar eclipses, including maps and visualizations, and how data is used to predict future solar eclipses. Learners can analyze NASA mission data from the Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO) , the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) , and the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) missions.

The Sun’s energy interacts with all of Earth’s systems. The Sun produces a constant stream of particles called the solar wind, which flows outward from the Sun in all directions, interacting with our planet and others, and creating the heliosphere, which encompasses and protects our solar system. Total solar eclipses provide rare opportunities for scientists to observe the Sun’s corona (outer atmosphere), where the solar wind originates. These observations help scientists predict space weather events that may impact human and robotic space exploration, and affect the technology on Earth that humans rely on every day. Learn more about the solar wind and how space weather affects Earth by exploring NASA HEAT’s educational resources at https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/heat/home/ .

NASA conducts many experiments during solar eclipses, including monitoring atmospheric conditions, such as changes in air temperatures and clouds, and recording animal sounds. Learners can collect their own data on cloud and temperature observations during the upcoming solar eclipses with the GLOBE Observer Eclipse tool. My NASA Data is part of the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) Mission Earth, an international science and education program that provides students and the public worldwide with the opportunity to participate in data collection and the scientific process, and to contribute meaningfully to our understanding of the Earth system and global environment.

Find all My NASA Data solar eclipse resources here: https://mynasadata.larc.nasa.gov/phenomenon/solar-eclipse

Learn more about these upcoming solar eclipses and more about eclipses at https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/eclipses/home/

My NASA Data, part of GLOBE Mission Earth, and the NASA Heliophysics Education Activation Team (NASA HEAT) are part of NASA’s Science Activation portfolio .

By Christina Milotte

NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center , Greenbelt, Md.

Teacher to reunite with over 100 students almost 50 years after making solar eclipse promise

A science teacher is set to come out of retirement today and deliver on a 46-year-old solar eclipse promise to his former students.

Patrick Moriarty, who taught Webster Central School District in New York, was handing out worksheets about solar eclipses to his Year 10 students in 1978 when he noticed one of them was due in their area. The teacher promised the 14-year-olds to mark the date as he would deliver a lesson to them when the time came around.

“So I had this sheet of about 50 eclipses that were coming up from like 1974 until 2030,” Mr Moriarty said. “And one of them was going to happen right here in this area on April 8, 2024. So I turned to the kids and I said, ‘All right, circle that eclipse on April 8th, 2024.’”

READ MORE: Solar eclipse 2024 LIVE: Time rare event visible to MILLIONS will happen across North America

For the next 16 years, he promised he would deliver on that promise despite the 14-year-olds not believing he would come through with his pledge. “We're going to meet on that day,” Moriarty told Spectrum News . “And they looked at me like I was crazy because they were only 14 years old.”

Former students including Andrea Rock, who was taught by Mr Moriarty in 1998, said he stayed in touch with students and promised he would deliver the lesson once the solar eclipse arrived. “Mr. Moriarity was my teacher in 1988,” a former student at Schroeder High School Ms Rock said.

“And I was like ‘Oh yeah okay.’ Years later he ended up being my 10th grade basketball coach. We were in similar professions. I'm an administrator. He was an administrator. And so our paths had crossed professionally, you know, here and there. So we've sort of stayed in touch then through Facebook .”

Nearly 50 years later, Mr Moriarty kept his promise and is preparing to welcome over 100 of his former students, colleagues, and family to the area. He shared: "It's not about the eclipse any more. It's about people and the sharing and the impact of teachers, the impact of teachers and what teachers can mean to students even when they're 60 years old and they can think back to when they were in junior high.”

The students are delighted to be able to reconnect with their former teacher, according to an ex-student at Spry Junior High Kevin Thompson. “He's keeping his word,” Mr Thompson said. “One of my buddies from class, we're still good friends and it's something I wondered if we're going to do that, that's getting closer, that type of thing.

“I am going to look so forward to hearing Mr. Moriarty teach the lesson that we've waited 40 years to get the experience of,” Thompson added. “Many teachers don't get to experience what he's been experiencing the last couple of years through Facebook and now in-person students sharing what he meant to them in their lives. And it's awesome because teachers don't get to hear that enough.”

Patrick Moriarty is coming out of retirement following a long promise with his former students

Accessibility Options:
Skip to Content
Skip to Search
Skip to footer
Office of Disability Services
Request Assistance
305-284-2374
High Contrast
School of Architecture
College of Arts and Sciences
Miami Herbert Business School
School of Communication
School of Education and Human Development
College of Engineering
School of Law
Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science
Miller School of Medicine
Frost School of Music
School of Nursing and Health Studies
The Graduate School
Division of Continuing and International Education
People Search
Class Search
IT Help and Support
Privacy Statement
Student Life

University of Miami

Division of University Communications
Office of Media Relations
Miller School of Medicine Communications
Hurricane Sports
UM Media Experts
Emergency Preparedness

Explore Topics

Latest Headlines
Arts and Humanities
People and Community
All Topics A to Z

How to safely watch the 2024 solar eclipse

By Robert C. Jones Jr. [email protected] 04-03-2024

It will be the moon’s moment to shine.

On Monday, April 8, a celestial spectacle in the sky—a total solar eclipse—will occur when Earth’s only natural satellite passes in front of the sun, casting a shadow across parts of Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

During the extraordinary cosmic event, the sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk.

An estimated 31.6 million people live within the roughly 100-mile-wide path of totality, or areas where the moon’s shadow will completely cover the sun, according to NASA. During totality, the sun’s corona—or outer atmosphere—becomes visible, offering scientists unique opportunities to study it.

“But even if you’re not in the path of totality, no worries. A partial eclipse, with the moon obscuring only part of the sun, is still a treat,” said Alessandro Peca, who graduates from the University of Miami this spring with a Ph.D. in astrophysics.

For the April 8 eclipse, every contiguous U.S. state, in addition to parts of Alaska and Hawaii, will experience at least a partial solar eclipse, according to NASA.

Peca will be at Horseshoe Bay, Texas, near the center of totality, presenting his research on supermassive black holes at a meeting of the High Energy Astrophysics Division of the American Astronomical Society. “While I’m super excited to share my research with fellow space enthusiasts, I can’t deny that the eclipse is a massive cherry on top,” he said. “It’s like the universe is throwing a cosmic party, and I’ve got VIP access.”

The total solar eclipse begins over the South Pacific Ocean, and weather permitting, the first location in continental North America that will experience totality is Mexico’s Pacific coast at approximately 11:07 a.m. PDT.

For Miami, which will experience a partial solar eclipse, the spectacular show in the sky begins at around 1:47 p.m. and ends at 4:13 p.m., with the peak occurring at 3:01 p.m.

Eye safety for the solar eclipse

If you’re planning to watch the cosmic show—the next total solar eclipse to reach the lower 48 states will not occur until 2044—you will need to wear specialized eye protection. Ordinary sunglasses, even if they are very dark, or homemade filters are not safe for looking at the sun, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).

“There is only one safe way to look directly at the sun, whether during an eclipse or not: through special-purpose solar filters. These solar filters are used in eclipse glasses or in hand-held solar viewers. They must meet a very specific worldwide standard known as ISO 12312-2,” according to the AAO’s website.

Also, if you plan to watch the solar eclipse through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope, make certain that it has a special-purpose solar filter, according to NASA .

Read more about proper eclipse glasses and where they can be purchased .

If you don’t plan to get eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer, you can still view the solar eclipse using an indirect viewing method , such as a pinhole projector, which does not involve looking directly at the sun.

Dr. Craig A. McKeown, a pediatric ophthalmologist at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, part of the University of Miami Health System, had some advice for parents.

“Only children who are old enough to follow instructions and keep their solar-eclipse glasses on should be allowed to watch the eclipse under adult supervision,” McKeown said. “Parents of babies and toddlers should remain inside with the children and consider watching the eclipse on television or via an internet streaming service.”

NASA will broadcast the eclipse live.

Dr. Nell Gregori, a professor of clinical ophthalmology at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and the Lois Pope Endowed Chair for Age-Related Macular Degeneration Research, answered questions about how the sun can damage the eye and how to properly view the solar eclipse.

How does the sun damage the eye if you look directly at it?

The sun is incredibly powerful. It can cause permanent damage to the eye if proper eye protection is not used. The damage can happen in a matter of seconds. When looking directly at the sun, you are at risk for solar retinopathy, or retinal burns caused by high-intensity light. The eye sees by absorbing light; light passes through the pupil and lens to the back of the eye, called the retina. The retina contains light sensitive cells called rods and cones that create nerve signals telling the brain what is being seen. When looking directly at the sun, the sun’s powerful rays travel through the eye to the retina. The intense exposure triggers a series of complex chemical reactions in the eye that damage the light-sensitive rod and cone cells that help see. Burning the retina can lead to temporary or permanent central vision loss. Symptoms may not appear until a few hours after exposure and include a blur or blind spots right in the center of one’s vision as well as distorted vision or altered color vision in one or both eyes. Using solar eclipse lenses allow you to watch a solar eclipse safely.

How do eclipse glasses work?

Eclipse glasses use special-purpose solar filters to filter out light and protect your eyes. No more than 0.00032 percent of the sun’s light may be transmitted through the filters. Make sure you are only using eclipse glasses that meet the specific worldwide standard known as ISO 12312-2; regular sunglasses, even if very dark, do not protect you when watching the solar eclipse, even if squinting. ISO 12312-2 standard requires a certain level of transmittance (the ratio of transmitted light to incident light) at the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared wavelengths that reach the retinas.

How is solar retinopathy treated?

Unfortunately, there is no treatment for solar retinopathy. Sun rays are incredibly powerful, and the damage is difficult to undo. Some eyes can undergo some healing. However, full recovery is rare. That’s why educating the public on the importance of wearing proper eye protection when watching the solar eclipse is so important.

Coral Gables , FL 33124
305-284-2211 305-284-2211
UM News and Events
Alumni & Friends
University Hotline

Tools and Resources

Academic Calendar
Parking & Transportation
social-facebook
social-twitter
social-youtube
social-instagram

Individuals with disabilities who experience any technology-based barriers accessing the University’s websites or services can visit the Office of Workplace Equity and Inclusion .

Will schools be closed on April 8th due to solar eclipse?

Will schools be closed on April 8, 2024 for the solar eclipse ? Yes, schools in the Rochester region will be closed on the day of the eclipse.

The eclipse is scheduled to occur on the Monday following a week-long spring break in Rochester, coinciding with the time when most classes are typically dismissed for the day.

Consequently, most Rochester area school districts have chosen to extend their spring break by a day and have canceled classes on April 8.

Brighton Central School District had initially planned a half-day for students on April 8 but tweaked the school calendar to cancel classes on the day of the eclipse. Until this change, Brighton was the lone Monroe County public school district that asked students and staff to report on April 8 for instruction.

Mary Grow, East Irondequoit's Superintendent and president of Monroe County's Council of Superintendents, explained that state officials in 2023 raised concerns about the potential impact of the eclipse on the school day, particularly regarding expected heavy traffic around dismissal time.

The decision to cancel classes was ultimately left to each district, and nearly every school district in the nine-county region has opted to do so.

Where are the best places to see the 2024 eclipse?

The best places to witness the eclipse in Rochester include open parks or waterfront areas with unobstructed views of the sky. Here are some ideal locations for experiencing the celestial event in our area.

Cobbs Hill Park
Highland Park
Genesee Valley Park
Ontario Beach Park.

The Rochester Museum & Science Center on East Avenue is also hosting a Roc the Eclipse Festival .

Be Careful, Kids: Looking at the sun in an eclipse will fry your eyes painfully. Take it from someone who knows

Elsewhere in Monroe County, suggested viewing sites include:

Mendon Ponds Park
Durand-Eastman Park
The campus at the State University College at Brockport
Hamlin Beach State Park

You can also watch the eclipse online.

NASA and other organizations will create a link for live eclipse viewing closer to the event.

IMAGES

Solar System School Project Model
20 Fantastic Formation Of The Solar System Activities
Our Solar System
Solar System Math Activities For Preschoolers
Image result for how to make a 3d model of the solar system for a
Solar system project ideas for school

VIDEO

OUR SOLAR SYSTEM ACCORDING TO MIDDLE EARTH? #tolkien #lotr #lordoftherings
Our Solar System by Shreevijya UKG
My Solar System LapBook
The Solar System Above and Beyond
super #solar system# assignment work 🌍🌍🌍
Roll-a-Ball/Solar System assignment

COMMENTS

Solar System Lessons, Worksheets and Activities
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.
8 Hands-on Solar System Activities For Middle School Students
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.
14 Science Projects and Lessons About the Solar System
14 Science Projects and Lessons About the Solar System. By Amy Cowen on June 16, 2023 8:00 AM. Use these free STEM projects, lessons, and activities to help students get hands-on exploring and learning about solar system science. The Earth, the Moon, the Sun, and space are concepts students identify early on.
PDF Unit 1.8: Earth and Space Science Planets & Stars
The GED Science Test will be 90 minutes long and include approximately 34 questions with a total score value of 40. The questions will have focus on three content areas: life science (~40%), physical science (~40%), and Earth and space science (~20%). Students may be asked to read, analyze, understand, and extract information from a scientific ...
41 Galactic Solar System Projects for Kids
Crafts on Sea. 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.
The solar system (understand) (practice)
Lesson 3: The solar system. The solar system. The solar system. Understand: the solar system. Science > Middle school Earth and space science - NGSS > Earth in space > ... Middle school Earth and space science - NGSS. Course: Middle school Earth and space science - NGSS > Unit 1. Lesson 3: The solar system. The solar system.
So Many Great WOW Ideas for Middle School!
This planets of the solar system lesson zooms in on the eight planets of our solar system. Students can learn more about Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. This lesson focuses on these planets and how the inner planets and outer planets share common characteristics. This lesson also covers what makes a planet a ...
Make a Model of the Solar System
The solar system is the system of objects that orbit the Sun directly (e.g. the planets) or indirectly (e.g. Earth's moon). A celestial body is considered a planet in the solar system if it orbits the Sun, if it is heavy enough for gravity to squeeze it into a spherical shape, and if it has "cleared the neighborhood" around its orbit. The ...
Middle School, Astronomy Lesson Plans
Explore how our solar system works and unravel the mysteries of the universe. Discover the perfect middle school science experiment in this huge collection of age-appropriate science investigations. ... The assignments use Science Buddies guide to the scientific method to take students step-by-step through a science project. From the schedule ...
Solar System, Free PDF Download
Lesson Objectives and Overview: Solar System teaches students about the eight planets and other parts that compose our solar system. Students will discover facts about each of the planets and learn about the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. This lesson is for students in 4th grade, 5th grade, and 6th grade.
PDF Solar System Scavenger Hunt Activity
Solar System Scavenger Hunt Activity Super Teacher Worksheets - www.superteacherworksheets.com Materials: Solar system questions worksheet (pages 2-3) 18 solar system fact cards (pages 4-8) Tape and scissors Preparation Print the fact cards on card stock or brightly-colored paper and cut them apart along the dotted lines.
5 Engaging Formation of the Solar System Activities
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.
Solar System!
An introduction to our solar system—the planets, our Sun and Moon. To begin, students learn about the history and engineering of space travel. They make simple rockets to acquire a basic understanding of Newton's third law of motion. They explore energy transfer concepts and use renewable solar energy for cooking. They see how engineers design tools, equipment and spacecraft to go where it ...
THE SOLAR SYSTEM
middle reading level high reading level THE BIG IDEA Learning about our solar system can give students a sense of wonder and perspective. They can ponder and appreciate Earth's crucial position in ... solar system a group of objects in space that orbit a star star a body in outer space, made of hot gases, that shines in the night sky
24 Middle School Astronomy Activities
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.
Educator Resources
The Solar System in 3-D (high school and educator) A study of geology, atmospheres, and other structures using stereo imagery of the planets, their satellites, and the Sun. Images can be downloaded and used for free for educational purposes; also available as a slide set, which includes a pair of 3-D glasses. ...
A WOW Factor Planets Lesson Plan for Middle School
It's great to add to your planets in the solar system lesson plan. The embedded activities included things such as drag-and-drop activities, questions, a KWL, exploring an interactive solar system, and more! This is a great lesson to pair with the solar system interactive lesson! This lesson can be found in the Bright in the Middle shop.
Middle School Planet Poster as an Astronomy Project: Project Instructions
Try this middle school astronomy project: as a final project for your middle school unit on the solar system. The students will make a poster with information on a planet of their choice, containing detailed information about the planet. ... Help with writing assignments paragraphs essays outlines more (125) High school english lesson plans ...
Middle School, Astronomy Projects, Lessons, Activities
Bottle Rocket Parachutes. DIY Rubber Band Paddle Boat. Embark on a cosmic journey with these astronomy science experiments. Explore how our solar system works and unravel the mysteries of the universe. Discover the perfect middle school science experiment in this huge collection of age-appropriate science investigations.
The Solar System Video For Kids
What you will learn from this video. The solar system consists of 8 planets orbiting the sun along with smaller bodies like moons and asteroids. Gravity is the force that holds the solar system together. Our solar system is part of the milky way galaxy, which is one of billions of galaxies in the universe.
How Schools Can Turn the Solar Eclipse Into an Unforgettable Science Lesson
A billboard heralding the upcoming total solar eclipse that Erie will experience is shown in Erie, Pa., on March 22, 2024. If the weather cooperates, science students of all ages could be in for ...
15 Exciting Middle School Solar Eclipse Activities
Sixth Grade Total Solar Eclipse Reading Passage Comprehension Activity. The Great North American Solar Eclipse of 2024 presents a unique opportunity for middle school teachers to engage their students in hands-on learning experiences and foster a deeper understanding of astronomy and science. By taking advantage of this unique teaching moment ...
NASA Releases New Solar Eclipse Educational Materials
New solar eclipse educational resources can be found under the "Earth as a System" header on the My NASA Data website. To help learners of all ages understand how to safely observe the Oct. 14, 2023, annular solar eclipse and the April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse, NASA has released a new set of resources for educators.
Earth in space: Unit test
Learn for free about math, art, computer programming, economics, physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, finance, history, and more. Khan Academy is a nonprofit with the mission of providing a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere.
Solar Eclipse Resources
The 2024 NASA Eclipse Resources include a Safe Solar Viewing Guide, Posters, and more! Andrew Fraknoi and a group of astronomy educators have created a collection of eclipse resources in preparation for the upcoming solar eclipses, including 32 educational activities. Find lists of safe solar viewers and filters from our partners at the ...
Teacher to reunite with over 100 students almost 50 years after ...
A science teacher is set to come out of retirement today and deliver on a 46-year-old solar eclipse promise to his former students. Patrick Moriarty, who taught Webster Central School District in ...
Total Solar Eclipse 2024: Live Updates
Viewing the total eclipse on July 9, 1945, in New York City. The New York Times. For centuries, people have been clamoring to glimpse solar eclipses. From astronomers with custom-built ...
What to know for the total solar eclipse: Time, path of totality ...
A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between Earth and the sun, completely blocking the sun's face. Those within the path of totality will see a total solar eclipse. People outside ...
How to safely watch the 2024 solar eclipse
No more than 0.00032 percent of the sun's light may be transmitted through the filters. Make sure you are only using eclipse glasses that meet the specific worldwide standard known as ISO 12312-2; regular sunglasses, even if very dark, do not protect you when watching the solar eclipse, even if squinting. ISO 12312-2 standard requires a ...
Total Solar Eclipse 2024: Will schools be closed on April 8th?
0:04. 2:24. Will schools be closed on April 8, 2024 for the solar eclipse? Yes, schools in the Rochester region will be closed on the day of the eclipse. The eclipse is scheduled to occur on the ...