Activity Overview
A great way of remembering the names of the planets in the correct order is using the mnemonic ‘my very easy method just speeds up naming’. In this activity, students will label a model of the solar system. To add another lay of creativity, ask your students to come up with their own mnemonic for the order of the planets!
As an extension, have students create another diagram that orders the planets in order of mass, orbital period, year, discovery date, or average temperature. Alternatively, add a description box underneath each planet and have your students research more facts about each planet.
To make this activity simpler for students who are struggling, cut up an storyboard with just the planets and have students put the planets in the correct order.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Demonstrate your understanding of the positions of the different planets by recreating the solar system using Storyboard That.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Look under the Science > Astronomy category, or search "space" or "planet".
- Drag down the solar system diagram.
- Insert images of the planets.
- Put the planets in the correct order of distance from the Sun.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Planets | All eight planets have been correctly identified. | At least four planets have been correctly identified. | Less than four planets have been correctly identified. |
| Images | All eight planets have a correct image. | At least four planets have a correct image. | Less than four planets have a correct image. |
| Order of Planets | All eight planets are in the correct order. | There are two or fewer mistakes in the order of the planets. | There are more than two mistakes in the order of the planets. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
Activity Overview
A great way of remembering the names of the planets in the correct order is using the mnemonic ‘my very easy method just speeds up naming’. In this activity, students will label a model of the solar system. To add another lay of creativity, ask your students to come up with their own mnemonic for the order of the planets!
As an extension, have students create another diagram that orders the planets in order of mass, orbital period, year, discovery date, or average temperature. Alternatively, add a description box underneath each planet and have your students research more facts about each planet.
To make this activity simpler for students who are struggling, cut up an storyboard with just the planets and have students put the planets in the correct order.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Demonstrate your understanding of the positions of the different planets by recreating the solar system using Storyboard That.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Look under the Science > Astronomy category, or search "space" or "planet".
- Drag down the solar system diagram.
- Insert images of the planets.
- Put the planets in the correct order of distance from the Sun.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Planets | All eight planets have been correctly identified. | At least four planets have been correctly identified. | Less than four planets have been correctly identified. |
| Images | All eight planets have a correct image. | At least four planets have a correct image. | Less than four planets have a correct image. |
| Order of Planets | All eight planets are in the correct order. | There are two or fewer mistakes in the order of the planets. | There are more than two mistakes in the order of the planets. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
How Tos about Planets in the Solar System
How to Lead a Solar System Model Building Activity with Everyday Materials
Engage students by constructing a hands-on solar system model using simple items like clay, beads, or paper.Hands-on creation reinforces understanding and sparks curiosity.
Gather common classroom or household materials
Collect items such as colored clay, construction paper, string, scissors, and markers.Using familiar materials keeps the activity accessible and cost-effective.
Guide students to research planet sizes and distances
Encourage research on each planet’s size and distance from the Sun.This builds critical thinking and connects facts to visual models.
Help students craft and label each planet
Model the process of shaping planets to scale and labeling them clearly.Labels support retention and make the model a study tool.
Arrange planets in order and display the model
Guide placement of the planets from the Sun outward, either along a string or on posterboard.Displaying the model reinforces correct planetary order and fosters classroom discussion.
Frequently Asked Questions about Planets in the Solar System
What is the easiest way to remember the order of planets in the solar system?
Mnemonics like 'My Very Easy Method Just Speeds Up Naming' help students quickly remember the correct order of the planets from the Sun. Creating your own mnemonic can make learning even more memorable and fun!
How can I teach students to label a solar system diagram?
Have students use a solar system diagram and ask them to drag and label each planet in order from the Sun. Adding description boxes under each planet encourages research and deeper understanding.
What are some creative activities for learning about the planets?
Encourage students to create their own mnemonics, order planets by different properties (like mass or temperature), or design personalized diagrams to make learning about the solar system more engaging.
How can I adapt this planets lesson for struggling students?
Simplify the activity by using a cut-up storyboard with only planet images and have students arrange them in the correct order. This helps reinforce learning in a hands-on way.
What are some key facts students should learn about each planet?
Students should explore unique facts such as planet size, mass, distance from the Sun, orbital period, discovery date, and average temperature to develop a well-rounded understanding of each planet.
More Storyboard That Activities
The Solar System
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