Solar System Unit

Get ready to launch your students into the fascinating world of astronomy with the Solar System Unit! This comprehensive, no-prep resource is centered around the essential question: “Why are we considered a solar system?” Designed for middle and high school Earth Science classrooms, this unit brings together everything students need to explore the structure, components, and dynamics of our celestial neighborhood.

Throughout the unit, students will learn about the characteristics of the Sun, terrestrial and jovian planets, moons, asteroids, comets, meteors, and dwarf planets. They’ll also dive into historical models of the universe—geocentric vs. heliocentric—and explore how our understanding of the solar system has evolved over time. With engaging visuals, real-world data, and hands-on activities, students will build a strong foundation in both the science and the history of space exploration.

Why You’ll Love This Unit:

• No Prep, All Purpose – Ready-to-use materials, quizzes, labs, and projects make planning easy.
• Interactive & Engaging – With labs, practice packets, and visual supports, students stay actively involved.
• Well-Rounded Coverage – Covers the big picture and the details, from planet research to Kepler’s Laws.

What’s Included:

• Unit Pacing Guide – A week-by-week outline to keep your unit running smoothly
• Our Solar System Lesson Plan – Detailed and easy-to-follow
• Presentation & Guided Notes – Visuals and fill-in notes keep students on track
• Planet Research Project – A fun way for students to explore individual planets in depth
• Planets Quiz & Answer Key
• Solar System Quiz & Answer Key
• Solar System Data & Ellipses Practice Packet & Answer Key
• Solar System & Ellipses Quiz & Answer Key
• Scale Model of the Solar System Lab & Answer Key – A hands-on activity to visualize distances and sizes
• Scale Model Lab Data Cards – Visual aids to support the lab experience
• Our Solar System Writing Prompt – A chance for students to reflect and synthesize their learning
• Dwarf Planets: The Little Giants of Our Solar System Activity & Answer Key – A close-up look at some of the solar system’s smallest, yet most fascinating, members

This unit has everything you need to help your students build a deeper understanding of our place in space. Whether you’re introducing astronomy for the first time or reinforcing core Earth Science concepts, the Solar System Unit is a fun, flexible, and content-rich way to bring the universe into your classroom.

⚠️ BUNDLE & SAVE!⚠️ Save 20% on this resource in the Astronomy Unit Bundle!

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Thanks for visiting!
Jessica