Solar System | Assessment Review
A short Grade 6 STEM review lesson to help students prepare for a solar system assessment by revisiting key facts, vocabulary, and relationships between the Sun, planets, and other objects in space.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Solar System | The Sun and all the objects that move around it, including planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. |
| Planet | A large round object that orbits the Sun and does not make its own light. |
| Orbit | The path an object follows as it moves around another object in space. |
| Moon | A natural object that orbits a planet. |
| Asteroid | A small rocky object that orbits the Sun, mostly found in the asteroid belt. |
Display a solar system image and ask students to name as many objects in the solar system as they can.
Think, raise hands, and share prior knowledge.
Review the order of the planets from the Sun and prompt students to describe each as rocky or gas/ice giant at an age-appropriate level.
Chorally respond, take notes, and correct any misconceptions.
Give a few quick review questions or task cards for partners to answer together.
Work with a partner to answer questions and explain reasoning.
Ask 3-4 rapid-fire questions or use a short exit quiz to check understanding.
Respond independently on paper.
Review answers, clarify any confusing points, and restate the most important ideas.
Listen, correct work, and ask final questions.
Ask students to name one fact they feel confident about and one fact they still need to review. Reinforce the key idea that the solar system includes the Sun, planets, moons, and smaller objects that orbit the Sun.
Formative assessment through oral questioning, partner responses, and a short independent exit check during the lesson.