Upper Years Science Vocabulary

Learning about the Sun, moon and Earth can be an exciting and intriguing topic for some students. In elementary school, students begin to learn about the different objects in space, how each of the planets are positioned within the solar system and then compare the characteristics of different celestial bodies. 

Teach Starter has developed a resource to help your intermediate students with the many vocabulary terms that are studied during your Earth and space unit. This resource has a set of 15 illustrated vocabulary cards as well as a set of puzzles to help students remember and retain these science terms. Some of the vocabulary terms included are:

• crater
• satellite
• atmosphere
• composition
• gravity
• weight

And more!

To complete the puzzle activity, print, cut and laminate the puzzle pieces. The pieces can be stored in a folder or large envelope. Students can work independently or with a partner to assemble each 3-piece puzzle.

This resource is intended to aid children in practicing their knowledge of vocabulary terms associated with the Earth, sun and moon.

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your science lessons. 

In addition to individual student work time, use this space and solar system activity to enhance learning through guided science groups or whole class lessons.

If you have a mixture of above and below-level learners, check out these suggestions for keeping students on track with the concepts: 

🆘 Support Struggling Students

For students who need additional support, consider limiting the number of pieces for each puzzle. As an example, Students can match the vocabulary term with its corresponding picture.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

If there are students who need a bit of a challenge, encourage them to create an infographic or comic using some of the vocabulary terms.

🎭 Charades

Ditch the game board and use the cards for Charades prompts. Divide students into
two teams. Teams will take turns sending up one student to act out the card for their team while you keep score and hand the cards to the players. If their team guesses correctly, they get a point. Once every student has had their turn to act out a card, the game is over, and the group with the highest points wins. 

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between PDF or editable Google Slides versions of this resource. 

Print on thick card for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

This resource was created by Kaylyn Chupp, a Teach Starter Collaborator.

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities and resources that cut down on lesson planning time:  

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