A Journey Through Our Solar System

Science Grades 5th Grade 11:55 Video
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Lesson Description

Explore the wonders of our solar system! This lesson will guide you through the planets, the sun, and other amazing objects in space using the FreeSchool video. Learn cool facts and discover what makes each planet unique.

Video Resource

Exploring Our Solar System: Planets and Space for Kids - FreeSchool

Free School

Duration: 11:55
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • The Sun is the center of our solar system and provides light and heat.
  • Each planet has unique characteristics, such as size, atmosphere, and composition.
  • Gravity is what holds the solar system together.
  • Dwarf planets are smaller than regular planets.

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to identify the eight planets in our solar system in order.
  • Students will be able to describe at least three unique characteristics of a specific planet.
  • Students will be able to explain the role of the sun in our solar system.
  • Students will be able to define what a dwarf planet is.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what they already know about the solar system. Show a picture of the solar system and ask them to identify any planets they recognize. Explain that today they will be taking a virtual trip through the solar system!
  • Video Viewing (10 mins)
    Play the 'Exploring Our Solar System: Planets and Space for Kids - FreeSchool' video. Instruct students to take notes on interesting facts about each planet as they watch.
  • Planet Research (15 mins)
    Divide students into eight groups, assigning each group a planet (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune). Each group will research their assigned planet and create a short presentation including its size, distance from the sun, atmosphere, unique features, and number of moons. Use textbooks or reliable websites for research.
  • Presentations (20 mins)
    Each group presents their planet to the class. Encourage students to ask questions and engage in discussion after each presentation.
  • Wrap-up and Review (10 mins)
    Review the key concepts learned during the lesson. Discuss the order of the planets, the role of the sun, and interesting facts about each planet. Answer any remaining questions.

Interactive Exercises

  • Solar System Model
    Students create a physical or digital model of the solar system, accurately representing the order and relative sizes of the planets.
  • Planet Trading Cards
    Students create trading cards for each planet, featuring its name, image, and key characteristics. Use them to quiz each other on planet facts.

Discussion Questions

  • Why is the sun so important to life on Earth?
  • What makes Earth different from the other planets?
  • Why is Jupiter called a 'gas giant'?
  • Why do you think Pluto is no longer considered a planet?

Skills Developed

  • Research skills
  • Presentation skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Note-taking

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which of the following is at the center of our solar system?

Correct Answer: The Sun

Question 2:

Which planet is known as the 'Red Planet'?

Correct Answer: Mars

Question 3:

Which planet is the largest in our solar system?

Correct Answer: Jupiter

Question 4:

Which planet has beautiful rings made of ice and rock?

Correct Answer: Saturn

Question 5:

Which planet is known as Earth's 'sister'?

Correct Answer: Venus

Question 6:

What force holds the solar system together?

Correct Answer: Gravity

Question 7:

Which planet is the closest to the sun?

Correct Answer: Mercury

Question 8:

Which of these is a gas giant?

Correct Answer: Jupiter

Question 9:

Which of these objects is no longer considered a planet?

Correct Answer: Pluto

Question 10:

Which planet spins sideways?

Correct Answer: Uranus

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The sun is a giant ball of ______, mostly hydrogen and helium.

Correct Answer: gas

Question 2:

______ is the hottest planet in the solar system.

Correct Answer: Venus

Question 3:

Scientists are very interested in ______ because they think people could live there.

Correct Answer: Mars

Question 4:

The Great Red Spot is a giant storm on the planet ______.

Correct Answer: Jupiter

Question 5:

Neptune takes over 164 ______ to orbit the sun.

Correct Answer: years

Question 6:

_______ means something to do with the sun.

Correct Answer: Solar

Question 7:

Earth is called a _______ planet because it's not too hot and not too cold.

Correct Answer: Goldilocks

Question 8:

_______ is the smallest planet in the solar system.

Correct Answer: Mercury

Question 9:

_______ is the name given to rocky objects orbiting the sun between Mars and Jupiter.

Correct Answer: Asteroid Belt

Question 10:

Saturn is famous for its beautiful _______ made of ice particles, rocks, and dust.

Correct Answer: rings

Educational Standards

5.ESS1.1:Support an argument with evidence that differences in the apparent brightness of the sun compared to other stars is due to their relative distances from Earth. 5.ESS1.2:Represent data in graphical displays to reveal patterns of daily changes in the length and direction of shadows, in addition to different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year. 5.PS2.1:Support an argument, with evidence, that Earth's gravitational force pulls objects downward toward the center of the earth.

Teaching Materials

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