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D1

This lesson plan for grades 5-7 focuses on the Solar System, teaching students to identify the 8 planets, distinguish between terrestrial and gas giants, and recognize other celestial bodies. The lesson includes direct instruction, group activities like creating a solar system poster or a scavenger hunt, and assessments through observation and quizzes. Optional homework and extension ideas encourage further exploration of the topic.

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nitin.p.cd
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14 views

D1

This lesson plan for grades 5-7 focuses on the Solar System, teaching students to identify the 8 planets, distinguish between terrestrial and gas giants, and recognize other celestial bodies. The lesson includes direct instruction, group activities like creating a solar system poster or a scavenger hunt, and assessments through observation and quizzes. Optional homework and extension ideas encourage further exploration of the topic.

Uploaded by

nitin.p.cd
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Lesson Plan: The Solar System

Grade Level: 5–7


Subject: Science
Duration: 45–60 minutes
Topic: The Solar System – Planets, Moons, and Other Celestial Bodies

Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

 Name and identify the 8 planets in the Solar System.

 Distinguish between terrestrial and gas giant planets.

 Describe the Sun’s role in the Solar System.

 Recognize other celestial bodies (moons, asteroids, comets, dwarf planets).

 Understand the order and basic features of the planets.

Materials Needed

 Projector or Smartboard

 Images/videos of planets (e.g., NASA resources)

 Solar system model or printouts

 Chart paper and markers

 Worksheets and planet fact cards

 Internet (optional for interactive activities)

Introduction (10 minutes)

 Begin with a short video or animated clip of the Solar System (e.g., from NASA or
YouTube).

 Ask students: “Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered what’s out
there?”

 Introduce the topic and share the lesson objectives.


Direct Instruction (15 minutes)

 Present the 8 planets in order from the Sun:


Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune.

 Use mnemonic: “My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nachos.”

 Briefly describe each planet with 1–2 key facts (e.g., size, surface, moons).

 Di erentiate inner planets (rocky) vs outer planets (gas giants).

 Introduce other celestial bodies: Sun, moons, asteroids, comets, dwarf planets
(mention Pluto).

Activity (15–20 minutes)

Option A – Create Your Own Solar System Poster

 Divide class into groups. Assign each group a planet.

 Provide fact cards or ask them to research 3 interesting facts.

 Each group creates a section of a class solar system poster.

Option B – Planet Fact Scavenger Hunt

 Set up stations with planet fact sheets.

 Students rotate and fill in worksheet data: planet name, size, distance from Sun,
# of moons, etc.

Discussion & Recap (5–10 minutes)

 Ask review questions:

o Which is the biggest planet?

o What planet is known for its rings?

o Why is Earth unique?

 Encourage questions from students.

Assessment

 Formative: Observation during group work and discussion.

 Summative:
o Completed worksheets

o 5-question exit quiz (e.g., multiple choice or true/false)

Homework (Optional)

 Write a short diary entry from the perspective of a planet (e.g., “A day in the life of
Mars”).

 Or draw the solar system and label the planets.

Extension Ideas

 Use simulation apps (e.g., NASA Eyes, Solar Walk).

 Assign a research project on a moon, comet, or dwarf planet.

 Host a “Planet Fair” with students presenting their assigned celestial bodies.

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