Get ready for an exciting adventure through our solar system! We’re going to explore the eight amazing planets that orbit around the Sun. From the super-hot Mercury to the chilly Neptune, each planet has something special about it. Let’s jump in and learn more!
Before we start exploring the planets, it’s important to know where we are in the universe. Earth, our home, is just one of many planets in the solar system. The solar system is part of the Milky Way galaxy, which has billions of stars and possibly even more planets!
At the center of our solar system is the Sun, a huge star made of hot, glowing gases. It’s about 93 million miles away from Earth and gives us the heat and light we need to live. The Sun is super hot, with a surface temperature of about 5,500 degrees Celsius (or 9,932 degrees Fahrenheit)!
The planets in our solar system are divided into two groups: the inner planets and the outer planets.
The inner planets are Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. These planets are closest to the Sun and are made mostly of rock.
The outer planets are Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. These planets are much larger than the inner planets and are mostly made of gases.
Pluto used to be considered the ninth planet, but in 2006, it was reclassified as a “dwarf planet” because of its size and the fact that it shares its orbit with other objects.
Our solar system is a fascinating place with planets that each have their own unique features. From the rocky inner planets to the gas giants of the outer solar system, there’s so much to learn and explore. Understanding these planets helps us appreciate the amazing universe we live in!
Create Your Own Solar System Model: Gather some craft supplies like colored paper, scissors, glue, and string. Create a model of the solar system by cutting out circles for each planet and the Sun. Use different colors to represent the unique characteristics of each planet, like red for Mars and blue for Neptune. Hang your planets in order from the Sun to Neptune. As you create your model, think about the size and distance of each planet from the Sun.
Planet Observation Journal: Start a journal where you can write about each planet. Each day, choose a different planet to focus on. Draw a picture of the planet and write down three interesting facts you learned from the lesson. For example, you might draw Saturn with its rings and note that it has more than 60 moons. Share your journal with your family and friends to teach them about the solar system!
Planet Temperature Experiment: Use a thermometer to explore how temperature changes with distance from a heat source. Place a lamp (representing the Sun) at one end of a table. Use the thermometer to measure the temperature at different distances from the lamp, similar to how planets are different distances from the Sun. Record your findings and discuss why planets closer to the Sun, like Mercury, are hotter than those farther away, like Neptune.
