The Wonders of Our Solar System

• Science

The Wonders of Our Solar System

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson you will be able to identify and describe the characteristics of the planets in our solar system.

What do you already know
about the solar system?

What is the Solar System?

The solar system is made up of the sun and everything that orbits around it. There are eight planets in the solar system.

Ask students to name the planets in our solar system.

The Sun

The sun is the center of the solar system and is a star. It provides light and heat to all the planets in the solar system.

Discuss the importance of the sun and how it affects life on Earth.

Inner vs. Outer Planets

The four inner planets are Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. They are smaller and made of rock and metal. 

The four outer planets are Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. They are larger and made of gas and ice.

Ask students to describe the difference between inner and outer planets.

Mercury

Mercury is the closest planet to the sun. It is small, rocky, and has a heavily cratered surface.

Ask students to name one fact about Mercury.

Venus

Venus is the hottest planet in our solar system and is covered in thick clouds of sulfuric acid.

Ask students to name one fact about Venus.

Earth

Earth is the only planet in our solar system known to have life. It has a diverse ecosystem and is covered mostly in water.

Ask students to name one fact about Earth.

Mars

Mars is known as the 'Red Planet' because of its reddish appearance. It has the largest volcano and canyon in the solar system.

Ask students to name one fact about Mars.

Jupiter

Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system. It has a giant red spot, which is a massive storm that has been raging for over 300 years.

Ask students to name one fact about Jupiter.

Saturn

Saturn is known for its beautiful rings made up of ice and rock particles. It has over 60 moons.

Ask students to name one fact about Saturn.

Uranus

Uranus is tilted on its side, so it spins almost perpendicular to its orbit around the sun. It has a faint ring system and a blue-green color.

Ask students to name one fact about Uranus.

Neptune

Neptune is the farthest planet from the sun and is also the coldest. It has the strongest winds in the solar system, reaching speeds of over 1,200 miles per hour.

Ask students to name one fact about Neptune.

Which planet is the largest in our solar system?

1. Saturn
2. Mars
3. Neptune
4. Jupiter

Which planet is closest to the sun?

1. Venus
2. Jupiter
3. Mars
4. Mercury

Which planet is tilted on its side, so it spins almost perpendicular to its orbit around the sun?

1. Jupiter
2. Uranus
3. Venus
4. Neptune

Which planet has a giant red spot, which is a massive storm that has been raging for over 300 years?

1. Saturn
2. Uranus
3. Mars
4. Jupiter

Which planet is known as the 'Red Planet'?

1. Saturn
2. Jupiter
3. Venus
4. Mars

Name one fact about a planet in our solar system that you find interesting.

What would happen if Earth was as close to the sun as Mercury?

Why do you think it's important to study our solar system?