Activity Overview
One thing students often find difficult is using new scientific vocabulary correctly and in the appropriate context. When starting a unit, it can be helpful to introduce them to all the new terminology and have them create visual vocabulary boards that define and illustrate each word. Having a visual example along with the definition can help students understand abstract concepts.
Suggested Solar System Vocabulary
- Asteroid
- Asteroid Belt
- Atmosphere
- Chromosphere
- Comet
- Convection Zone
- Core
- Corona
- Crater
- Earth
- Ellipse
- Extraterrestrial Life
- Galaxy
- Gas Giant
- Greenhouse Effect
- Jupiter
- Kuiper Belt
- Mars
- Mercury
- Meteor
- Meteorite
- Moon
- Neptune
- Nuclear Fusion
- Nucleus
- Oort Cloud
- Orbit
- Photosphere
- Planet
- Pluto
- Prominence
- Radiation Zone
- Ring
- Saturn
- Solar Flare
- Solar Wind
- Star
- Sunspot
- Terrestrial Planets
- Uranus
- Venus
Check out more cool space words in the Picture Encyclopedia of Astronomy!
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
Define and illustrate key vocabulary for the solar system.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose five vocabulary words and type them in the title boxes.
- Find the definition in a print or online dictionary and write it under the cell.
- Illustrate the meaning of the word in the cell using a combination of scenes, characters, and items.
- Alternatively, use Photos for Class to give examples of the words.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 16 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definitions | The vocabulary word is correctly defined. | The meaning of the vocabulary words can be understood but it is awkward. | The vocabulary word is not clearly defined. |
| Visualization | The storyboard cell clearly illustrates the meaning of the vocabulary word. Or The storyboard cell has clear examples of the key word. | The storyboard cell relates to the meaning of the vocabulary word, but is difficult to understand. Or The storyboard cell has some unclear examples of the key word. | The storyboard cell does not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary word. Or The storyboard cell does not have clear examples of the key word. |
| 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
One thing students often find difficult is using new scientific vocabulary correctly and in the appropriate context. When starting a unit, it can be helpful to introduce them to all the new terminology and have them create visual vocabulary boards that define and illustrate each word. Having a visual example along with the definition can help students understand abstract concepts.
Suggested Solar System Vocabulary
- Asteroid
- Asteroid Belt
- Atmosphere
- Chromosphere
- Comet
- Convection Zone
- Core
- Corona
- Crater
- Earth
- Ellipse
- Extraterrestrial Life
- Galaxy
- Gas Giant
- Greenhouse Effect
- Jupiter
- Kuiper Belt
- Mars
- Mercury
- Meteor
- Meteorite
- Moon
- Neptune
- Nuclear Fusion
- Nucleus
- Oort Cloud
- Orbit
- Photosphere
- Planet
- Pluto
- Prominence
- Radiation Zone
- Ring
- Saturn
- Solar Flare
- Solar Wind
- Star
- Sunspot
- Terrestrial Planets
- Uranus
- Venus
Check out more cool space words in the Picture Encyclopedia of Astronomy!
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
Define and illustrate key vocabulary for the solar system.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose five vocabulary words and type them in the title boxes.
- Find the definition in a print or online dictionary and write it under the cell.
- Illustrate the meaning of the word in the cell using a combination of scenes, characters, and items.
- Alternatively, use Photos for Class to give examples of the words.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 16 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definitions | The vocabulary word is correctly defined. | The meaning of the vocabulary words can be understood but it is awkward. | The vocabulary word is not clearly defined. |
| Visualization | The storyboard cell clearly illustrates the meaning of the vocabulary word. Or The storyboard cell has clear examples of the key word. | The storyboard cell relates to the meaning of the vocabulary word, but is difficult to understand. Or The storyboard cell has some unclear examples of the key word. | The storyboard cell does not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary word. Or The storyboard cell does not have clear examples of the key word. |
| 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 Solar System Important Vocabulary
Organize a solar system vocabulary word wall in your classroom
Display key solar system terms on a dedicated wall or bulletin board. Arrange words alphabetically or by category (like planets, features, or phenomena) to make it easy for students to reference. This creates a visual anchor that supports learning all year long.
Assign students to create illustrated vocabulary cards
Have each student make a card for a specific word, including its definition and a drawing. Encourage creativity so students connect with the meaning. Collect and use these cards for review games or as part of the word wall.
Use daily warm-ups to reinforce vocabulary
Start each science lesson with a quick activity, like matching terms to definitions or using a word in context. Consistent practice helps students remember and use scientific vocabulary correctly.
Facilitate vocabulary charades or Pictionary
Divide students into teams and have them act out or draw vocabulary terms for classmates to guess. Games make learning memorable and encourage deeper understanding of new words.
Encourage students to use vocabulary in creative writing
Assign a short story or comic strip where students must use several solar system terms correctly. This context-rich activity deepens their grasp of meanings and usage.
Frequently Asked Questions about Solar System Important Vocabulary
What is a visual vocabulary board for the solar system?
A visual vocabulary board for the solar system is a graphic organizer where students define and illustrate key astronomy terms, helping them better understand and remember new scientific vocabulary through both words and images.
How can I help students learn solar system vocabulary more effectively?
To help students learn solar system vocabulary effectively, have them create visual vocabulary boards, look up definitions in reliable sources, and illustrate each word. Combining text and visuals supports deeper comprehension and long-term retention.
What are some important vocabulary words for teaching the solar system?
Important solar system vocabulary includes words like asteroid, comet, planet, atmosphere, core, orbit, meteor, gas giant, and terrestrial planet. Introducing these terms early helps students grasp key concepts.
What is the best way to introduce new science terms to middle school students?
The best way to introduce new science terms is to present all key vocabulary at the start of a unit, use visual aids or vocabulary boards, and encourage students to define and illustrate each term to build context and understanding.
How do visual examples help students understand abstract solar system concepts?
Visual examples make abstract solar system concepts more concrete by connecting definitions to images, which aids comprehension, memory, and the correct use of scientific vocabulary.
More Storyboard That Activities
The Solar System
- spiral galaxy M83 • NASA Goddard Photo and Video • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
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