Exploring the Solar System

Name:

Date:

📚 Part 1: Multiple Choice & Matching

1. Which object is the central star of our solar system?

Sun

Earth

Moon

Jupiter

2. Which planet is known as the "Red Planet"?

Venus

Mars

Saturn

Neptune

3. Which of these is classified as a dwarf planet?

Pluto

Mercury

Europa

Titan

4. Which statement is best supported by observations about the sun and other stars?

The sun appears brighter than most stars because it is closer to Earth.

The sun is the biggest star in the universe.

The sun does not affect Earth's weather or climate.

Stars are all the same distance from Earth, so they look the same.

5. Match each solar system object (left) with its correct description (right). Draw lines to match.

A. Jupiter

B. Mercury

C. Saturn

D. Moon

E. Pluto

F. Earth

1. Has prominent rings

2. Closest planet to the sun

3. Largest planet in our solar system

4. Dwarf planet once classified as the ninth planet

5. Natural satellite of Earth

6. Planet that supports liquid water and life

✏️ Part 2: Short Answers, Model & Reflection

I can... describe planets and other solar system objects; explain the sun’s role as the central star; use a simple scale to model distances.

Success criteria: I can name at least six solar system objects, explain how the sun affects planets, and create a basic scale diagram showing planetary order.

Differentiation: Provide labeled diagrams for students who need support; offer extension prompts and independent research for advanced learners.

Extension activity: Research an exoplanet and write one paragraph comparing it to a planet in our solar system.

6. List at least six different solar system objects (planets, dwarf planets, moons, asteroids, comets):

7. In one or two sentences, explain the role of the sun in our solar system and one way it affects Earth.

8. Scale math: On a model where 1 inch = 10,000,000 miles, how many inches from the sun is Jupiter (~484,000,000 miles)? Show your work.

9. Draw a simple diagram of the solar system. Show the sun, at least five planets in correct order, and label three features (for example: rings, moons, asteroid belt).