🪐 Let’s Identify the Planets in the Solar System! 

How well do your students know the planets of our solar system? This teaching presentation takes an in-depth look at each of the planets. During this 21-slide presentation, students will not only learn new information, but also have opportunities to turn and talk to their classmates to discuss questions and participate in an interactive activity.  During the presentation, students will learn about:

• number of moons
• diameter
• number of days in a year
• length of day
• average temperature
• type of planet

In addition to planet facts, students will learn a fun mnemonic device to remember the order of the planets! Mnemonic devices are a great way for students to remember sequences or the order of several items, such as planets!

Through this activity, students will show they can identify the planets in Earth’s solar system and their position in relation to the Sun.

How to Use Our Teaching Presentation in Your Classroom 

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

🧑‍🏫 Group Lesson (or Other Activity)

Project the slides onto a screen and work through them as a class by having students record their answers in their notebooks or mini whiteboards. Additionally, if projecting on an interactive whiteboard, students can be invited up to the board to move the interactive pieces on slides 18 and 20.

🗣️ Turn & Talk 

Invite students to pair up with someone in the seat nearest to them for a 5-minute Turn & Talk. Keep students engaged and on task by directing them to focus on a specific topic, or let them freely discuss the content. Use this Turn & Talk session to encourage students to make space for each other by actively listening, asking questions, and practicing empathy. 

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the Download button to access the editable Google Slides version of this resource.

This resource was created by Jennifer Hall, a teacher in North Carolina and Teach Starter Collaborator. 

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

teaching resource

Planet Puzzle Match-Up Activity

Use your knowledge of the solar system to complete 8 different planet puzzles.

teaching resource

Planet Project Template

Practice research skills by exploring each planet and creating a visual display of information.

teaching resource

Individual Planet Posters

Use this set of posters with your space unit when teaching the individual planets.