The The SunSun and the and the planetsplanets are part of are part ofthe the Solar SystemSolar System. The Sun is at the. The Sun is at the

centre of the Solar System. The Sun iscentre of the Solar System. The Sun isa a starstar. It is our main source of heat. It is our main source of heat

and light energy.and light energy.

The The SunSun and the and the planetsplanets are part of are part ofthe the Solar SystemSolar System. The Sun is at the. The Sun is at the

centre of the Solar System. The Sun iscentre of the Solar System. The Sun isa a starstar. It is our main source of heat. It is our main source of heat

and light energy.and light energy.

There are There are nine planetsnine planets in our Solar System. in our Solar System.They are (in order of distance from the sun):They are (in order of distance from the sun):

MercuryMercury, , VenusVenus, , EarthEarth, , MarsMars, , JupiterJupiter, , SaturnSaturn, , UranusUranus, , NeptuneNeptune and and PlutoPluto..

The planets move in orbits around the sun.The planets move in orbits around the sun.

There are There are nine planetsnine planets in our Solar System. in our Solar System.They are (in order of distance from the sun):They are (in order of distance from the sun):

MercuryMercury, , VenusVenus, , EarthEarth, , MarsMars, , JupiterJupiter, , SaturnSaturn, , UranusUranus, , NeptuneNeptune and and PlutoPluto..

The planets move in orbits around the sun.The planets move in orbits around the sun.

There are other objects in the There are other objects in the Solar System that orbit the Sun. Solar System that orbit the Sun.

These include These include asteroidsasteroids and and cometscomets..

There are other objects in the There are other objects in the Solar System that orbit the Sun. Solar System that orbit the Sun.

These include These include asteroidsasteroids and and cometscomets..

Click on each of the picture to learn about the Solar SystemClick on each of the picture to learn about the Solar System

The Sun’s diameter is 109 times biggerThe Sun’s diameter is 109 times bigger than that of the Earth.than that of the Earth.

It is so huge that you could fit 1.3 millionIt is so huge that you could fit 1.3 million Earths into it.Earths into it.

The Sun is our source of heat, light andThe Sun is our source of heat, light and energy, without it we could not existenergy, without it we could not exist . .

The Sun’s diameter is 109 times biggerThe Sun’s diameter is 109 times bigger than that of the Earth.than that of the Earth.

It is so huge that you could fit 1.3 millionIt is so huge that you could fit 1.3 million Earths into it.Earths into it.

The Sun is our source of heat, light andThe Sun is our source of heat, light and energy, without it we could not existenergy, without it we could not exist . .

The SunThe Sun

Closest planet to the Sun, so it is very hot.Closest planet to the Sun, so it is very hot. Small dark grey planet less than half the Small dark grey planet less than half the

size of the Earth.size of the Earth. Has no atmosphere and no moon. Has no atmosphere and no moon.

Closest planet to the Sun, so it is very hot.Closest planet to the Sun, so it is very hot. Small dark grey planet less than half the Small dark grey planet less than half the

size of the Earth.size of the Earth. Has no atmosphere and no moon. Has no atmosphere and no moon.

MercuryMercury

About the same size as Earth.About the same size as Earth. Very hot with thick carbon dioxide Very hot with thick carbon dioxide

atmosphere.atmosphere. The brightest object in the night sky afterThe brightest object in the night sky after

our moon.our moon. Has no moon. Has no moon.

About the same size as Earth.About the same size as Earth. Very hot with thick carbon dioxide Very hot with thick carbon dioxide

atmosphere.atmosphere. The brightest object in the night sky afterThe brightest object in the night sky after

our moon.our moon. Has no moon. Has no moon.

VenusVenus

Third planet from the Sun.Third planet from the Sun. The only planet with air, water and livingThe only planet with air, water and living

things.things. Has 1 moon. Has 1 moon.

Third planet from the Sun.Third planet from the Sun. The only planet with air, water and livingThe only planet with air, water and living

things.things. Has 1 moon. Has 1 moon.

EarthEarth

The Earth is 150 million kilometres from the Sun. The Earth is 150 million kilometres from the Sun. The Earth is 150 million kilometres from the Sun. The Earth is 150 million kilometres from the Sun.

EarthEarth

Sun EarthEarth

150 million kilometres150 million kilometres

About half the size of Earth.About half the size of Earth. Called ‘the red planet’ because of itsCalled ‘the red planet’ because of its

red-coloured rocks and dust.red-coloured rocks and dust. Polar ice caps can be seen clearly.Polar ice caps can be seen clearly. Has 2 moons. Has 2 moons.

About half the size of Earth.About half the size of Earth. Called ‘the red planet’ because of itsCalled ‘the red planet’ because of its

red-coloured rocks and dust.red-coloured rocks and dust. Polar ice caps can be seen clearly.Polar ice caps can be seen clearly. Has 2 moons. Has 2 moons.

MarsMars

The largest planet.The largest planet. Surface consists of clouds of gas.Surface consists of clouds of gas. Has a large ‘Red Spot’ on its surface.Has a large ‘Red Spot’ on its surface. Has 63 moons. Has 63 moons.

The largest planet.The largest planet. Surface consists of clouds of gas.Surface consists of clouds of gas. Has a large ‘Red Spot’ on its surface.Has a large ‘Red Spot’ on its surface. Has 63 moons. Has 63 moons.

JupiterJupiter

A large gas planet like Jupiter.A large gas planet like Jupiter. Has many beautiful rings made of rocksHas many beautiful rings made of rocks

coated with ice.coated with ice. Has 33 moons. Has 33 moons.

A large gas planet like Jupiter.A large gas planet like Jupiter. Has many beautiful rings made of rocksHas many beautiful rings made of rocks

coated with ice.coated with ice. Has 33 moons. Has 33 moons.

SaturnSaturn

A large gas planet less than half the sizeA large gas planet less than half the size of Jupiter.of Jupiter.

Looks pale green and has some thin r.Looks pale green and has some thin r. Has 27 moons. Has 27 moons.

A large gas planet less than half the sizeA large gas planet less than half the size of Jupiter.of Jupiter.

Looks pale green and has some thin r.Looks pale green and has some thin r. Has 27 moons. Has 27 moons.

UranusUranus

A gas planet about the size of Uranus.A gas planet about the size of Uranus. Appears blue in colour.Appears blue in colour. Has 13 moons. Has 13 moons.

A gas planet about the size of Uranus.A gas planet about the size of Uranus. Appears blue in colour.Appears blue in colour. Has 13 moons. Has 13 moons.

NeptuneNeptune

The smallest planet – it is smaller thanThe smallest planet – it is smaller than Earth’s Moon.Earth’s Moon.

Farthest planet from the Sun, so it is veryFarthest planet from the Sun, so it is very cold.cold.

Has 1 moon. Has 1 moon.

The smallest planet – it is smaller thanThe smallest planet – it is smaller than Earth’s Moon.Earth’s Moon.

Farthest planet from the Sun, so it is veryFarthest planet from the Sun, so it is very cold.cold.

Has 1 moon. Has 1 moon.

PlutoPluto

Asteroids are space rocks.Asteroids are space rocks. They may be large or small.They may be large or small. Most asteroids orbit around the Sun inMost asteroids orbit around the Sun in

between Mars and Jupiter. between Mars and Jupiter.

Asteroids are space rocks.Asteroids are space rocks. They may be large or small.They may be large or small. Most asteroids orbit around the Sun inMost asteroids orbit around the Sun in

between Mars and Jupiter. between Mars and Jupiter.

AsteroidsAsteroids

Comets are large lumps of ice and dustComets are large lumps of ice and dust that orbit the Sun.that orbit the Sun.

Most of the time comets cannot be seenMost of the time comets cannot be seen as they are too far away.as they are too far away.

But when a comet is near the Sun, it canBut when a comet is near the Sun, it can be seen clearly because if its very longbe seen clearly because if its very long tail. tail.

Comets are large lumps of ice and dustComets are large lumps of ice and dust that orbit the Sun.that orbit the Sun.

Most of the time comets cannot be seenMost of the time comets cannot be seen as they are too far away.as they are too far away.

But when a comet is near the Sun, it canBut when a comet is near the Sun, it can be seen clearly because if its very longbe seen clearly because if its very long tail. tail.

CometsComets

1.1. Windows to the UniverseWindows to the Universe http://www.windows.ucar.edu/windows.html

2. http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/astronomy/solarsystemmodel/

3.3. Solar System ExplorationSolar System Exploration http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/index.cfm

4.4. World Almanac for KidsWorld Almanac for Kids http://www.worldalmanacforkids.com/EXPLORE/space.html

5.5. Astronomy – The Solar System – Jeremy McGovernAstronomy – The Solar System – Jeremy McGovern http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=1080

6.6. The Solar SystemThe Solar System http://edtech.kennesaw.edu/web/solar.html

7.7. The Planets – Astronomy for KidsThe Planets – Astronomy for Kids http://www.dustbunny.com/afk/planets/

Click on each of the activities belowClick on each of the activities belowClick on each of the activities belowClick on each of the activities below

Click the Click the correct correct answeranswer

Arrange Arrange the the

PlanetsPlanets

Word Word search search PuzzlePuzzle

Crossword Crossword PuzzlePuzzle

Match the Match the SentencesSentences

Writing Writing about about Solar Solar

SystemSystem

Do you know why the Sun is a star?Do you know why the Sun is a star?

Both the Sun and stars have their energy. Both the Sun and stars have their energy. The Sun looks bigger and brighter than the The Sun looks bigger and brighter than the

other stars because it is much closer to other stars because it is much closer to Earth. The stars are very, very far away. Earth. The stars are very, very far away. We see them only as tiny dots in the sky We see them only as tiny dots in the sky at night. In fact, we can say that the Sunat night. In fact, we can say that the Sun

is our nearest star!is our nearest star!

Fact 8Fact 7Fact 6Fact 5Fact 4Fact 3Fact 2Fact 1Fact 1

SUN FactsSUN Facts

The outside of the Sun is 11,000 degrees The outside of the Sun is 11,000 degrees Fahrenheit. A REALLY hot day on Earth is Fahrenheit. A REALLY hot day on Earth is only 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The Sun's only 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The Sun's surface is about 100 times as hot as the surface is about 100 times as hot as the hottest day on Earth!!! The Sun is very, hottest day on Earth!!! The Sun is very, very big. More than one million planet very big. More than one million planet

Earths could fit inside of the Sun! Earths could fit inside of the Sun! The Sun is composed of helium and hydrogen.The Sun is composed of helium and hydrogen.

Fact 8Fact 7Fact 6Fact 5Fact 4Fact 3Fact 1 Fact 2Fact 2

THE INNER PlanetsTHE INNER Planets

There are four planets known as the There are four planets known as the inner planets. These planets are:-inner planets. These planets are:-

Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars.Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars.

The inner planets are also called the The inner planets are also called the rocky planets because they are made rocky planets because they are made

of rocks.of rocks.

Fact 8Fact 7Fact 6Fact 5Fact 4Fact 1 Fact 2 Fact 3Fact 3

VENUSVENUS

Venus is sometimes called the "Evening Star" Venus is sometimes called the "Evening Star" and the "Morning Star". It is very bright. and the "Morning Star". It is very bright.

You can see it at sunset and sunrise. You can see it at sunset and sunrise. Venus spins very slowly. Venus spins very slowly.

One "day" on Venus is longer than one year One "day" on Venus is longer than one year on Earth. Venus is different from all the on Earth. Venus is different from all the

other planets because it spins "backwards" other planets because it spins "backwards" on its axis.on its axis.

Fact 8Fact 7Fact 6Fact 5Fact 3Fact 1 Fact 2 Fact 4Fact 4

EARTHEARTH

Earth is the largest of the four inner planets. Earth is the largest of the four inner planets. Earth spins very quickly compared to Earth spins very quickly compared to

other planets. other planets. It only takes Earth 24 hours to spin It only takes Earth 24 hours to spin

around its axis one time. around its axis one time. One Earth day is 24 hours long.One Earth day is 24 hours long.

Earth orbits the sun in 365 days. Earth orbits the sun in 365 days. This makes one Earth year 365 days long.This makes one Earth year 365 days long.

Fact 8Fact 7Fact 6Fact 4Fact 3Fact 1 Fact 2 Fact 5Fact 5

The MoonThe Moon

The planet Earth has a small body circling it. The planet Earth has a small body circling it. The body is called the Moon. The body is called the Moon.

The Moon cannot support life because The Moon cannot support life because it has no atmosphere. it has no atmosphere.

It is covered with craters from collisions It is covered with craters from collisions with meteors and asteroids. with meteors and asteroids.

The Moon affects life on Earth. The Moon affects life on Earth. Our tides are caused by the pull of the Our tides are caused by the pull of the

Moon on Earth.Moon on Earth.

Fact 8Fact 7Fact 5Fact 4Fact 3Fact 1 Fact 2 Fact 6Fact 6

THE OUTER PlanetsTHE OUTER Planets

There are five planets known as the There are five planets known as the outer planets. The outer planets are: outer planets. The outer planets are:

Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto.

Jupiter is the largest planet in the Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system and it is the largest of solar system and it is the largest of

the outer planets.the outer planets.

Fact 8Fact 6Fact 5Fact 4Fact 3Fact 1 Fact 2 Fact 7Fact 7

ORDER OF THE PLANETSORDER OF THE PLANETSFact 7Fact 6Fact 5Fact 4Fact 3Fact 1 Fact 2 Fact 8Fact 8

MMyyVVery ery EEducatedducatedMMotherotherJJustustSServedervedUUssNNineinePPizzasizzas

MMyyVVery ery EEducatedducatedMMotherotherJJustustSServedervedUUssNNineinePPizzasizzas

MercuryMercuryVenus Venus EarthEarthMarsMarsJupiterJupiterSaturnSaturnUranusUranusNeptuneNeptunePlutoPluto

MercuryMercuryVenus Venus EarthEarthMarsMarsJupiterJupiterSaturnSaturnUranusUranusNeptuneNeptunePlutoPluto

Are you sure Are you sure you want to you want to

EXIT?EXIT?

Are you sure Are you sure you want to you want to

EXIT?EXIT?

VenusVenus VenusVenus

MercuryMercury MercuryMercury

SaturnSaturn SaturnSaturn

Choose the correct answer by clicking on the correct letter A, B or C.

Choose the correct answer by clicking on the correct letter A, B or C.

1. Which planet is the closest planet to the Sun?

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Nine (9)Nine (9) Nine (9)Nine (9)

Ten (10)Ten (10) Ten (10)Ten (10)

Eleven (11)Eleven (11) Eleven (11)Eleven (11)

2. How many planets are there in our Solar System?

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Choose the correct answer by clicking on the correct letter A, B or C.

Space.Space. Space.Space.

Sun.Sun. Sun.Sun.

Moon.Moon. Moon.Moon.

3. The planets move in orbits around the ………….

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Choose the correct answer by clicking on the correct letter A, B or C.

UranusUranus UranusUranus

MarsMars MarsMars

PlutoPluto PlutoPlutoAA

BB

CC

Choose the correct answer by clicking on the correct letter A, B or C.

Choose the correct answer by clicking on the correct letter A, B or C.

4. Which planet is the smallest planet in our Solar System?

JupiterJupiter JupiterJupiter

EarthEarth EarthEarth

SaturnSaturn SaturnSaturnAA

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Choose the correct answer by clicking on the correct letter A, B or C.

Choose the correct answer by clicking on the correct letter A, B or C.

5. Which planet is the largest planet in our Solar System?

Venus.Venus. Venus.Venus.

Earth.Earth. Earth.Earth.

Mars.Mars. Mars.Mars.

6. The third planet from the Sun is ……..

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Choose the correct answer by clicking on the correct letter A, B or C.

CometsComets CometsComets

AsteroidsAsteroids AsteroidsAsteroids

StarsStars StarsStars

7. ……….. are large lumps of ice and dust that orbit the Sun.

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Choose the correct answer by clicking on the correct letter A, B or C.

StarStar StarStar

MoonMoon MoonMoon

EarthEarth EarthEarth

8. Life exists on ………… because it has water and an atmosphere.

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Choose the correct answer by clicking on the correct letter A, B or C.

160160 160160

140140 140140

150150 150150

9. The Earth is …….. Million kilometres from the Sun.

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Choose the correct answer by clicking on the correct letter A, B or C.

190190 190190

109109 109109

119119 119119

10.The Sun diameter is ……. Times bigger than that of the Earth.

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Choose the correct answer by clicking on the correct letter A, B or C.