Immerse yourself in the Solar System and discover what makes it go round. We will talk about the formation of the Sun, planets, and moons—gravity, energy, and motions included.
Teacher Guide
Objectives
- Name in order, from nearest to farthest from the Sun, the planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto.
- Identify any planets visible to the unaided eye in the current evening/morning sky, and name at least three constellations currently visible after sunset.
- List any five objects in the Solar System in decreasing size (e.g., Sun, Jupiter, Earth, comet, meteor).
- Describe objects in the Solar System based on their physical state (solid, liquid, or gas).
- Discuss the question: How do we know what we know about the Solar System?
Ohio's Learning Standards
Grade 3
Earth and Space Science – Matter and Forms of Energy
- All objects and substances in the natural world are composed of matter.
- Matter exists in different states, each of which has different properties.
Grade 4
Earth and Space Science – Earth's Surface
- Earth's surface has specific characteristics and landforms that can be identified.
Grade 5
Earth and Space Science – Cycles and Patterns in the Solar System
- The Solar System includes the Sun and all celestial bodies that orbit the Sun. Each planet in the Solar System has unique characteristics.
- The Sun is one of many stars that exist in the Universe.
- Most of the cycles and patterns of motion between the Earth and Sun are predictable.
