Unit 3: Exploring Our Amazing Solar System

A journey through space and time Grade 5 Science Adventure

What is a Solar System?

A star and all the objects that orbit around it Our solar system has the Sun at its center Includes planets, moons, asteroids, and comets

Our Star: The Sun

The Sun is a massive ball of hot gas It provides light and heat to all planets Without the Sun, there would be no life on Earth

The Eight Planets

Rocky vs Gas Giant Planets

Rocky planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars Gas giants: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune Rocky planets are smaller and closer to the Sun

Moons: Natural Satellites

Moons orbit around planets Earth has one moon Jupiter has over 80 moons!

Asteroids: Space Rocks

Rocky objects that orbit the Sun Most are found in the asteroid belt Range in size from pebbles to small planets

Comets: Cosmic Snowballs

Made of ice, dust, and rock Develop bright tails when near the Sun Come from the outer edges of our solar system

Planet Size Comparison Activity

Use everyday objects to show planet sizes Earth = marble Jupiter = basketball Sun = large exercise ball

Meteors: Shooting Stars

Small pieces of rock or dust from space Burn up in Earth's atmosphere Create bright streaks of light in the sky

Gravity: The Invisible Force

Gravity pulls objects toward each other Keeps planets orbiting the Sun Keeps us on Earth's surface

Stars: Distant Suns

Stars are giant balls of hot gas They produce their own light and heat Our Sun is actually a medium-sized star