Solar System | Substitute Teacher
Students will explore the solar system as a set of space objects and practice simple science thinking by sorting, observing, and describing planets and the sun using kid-friendly chemistry vocabulary such as matter, solid, and temperature. The lesson is hands-on, visual, and designed for a substitute teacher to run smoothly in 60 minutes.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Solar System | The sun and the objects that move around it. |
| Sun | A star that gives us light and heat. |
| Planet | A round object in space that moves around the sun. |
| Matter | Anything that takes up space. |
| Solid | A kind of matter that keeps its shape. |
| Temperature | How hot or cold something is. |
Greet students, review seating expectations, and tell them they will learn about the solar system today. Show the lesson pictures.
Sit quietly, listen, and point to pictures when asked.
Teach the words solar system, sun, planet, matter, solid, and temperature using simple definitions and gestures. Repeat each word together.
Repeat vocabulary, make motions, and answer simple questions such as 'Is the sun hot or cold?'
Use the pictures to explain that the sun is at the center and planets move around it. Ask students to notice colors, sizes, and patterns.
Look closely, answer questions, and compare what they see.
Give pairs or small groups planet cards to sort by size, color, or closest/farthest from the sun. Circulate and support.
Sort cards, talk with partners, and explain one choice using simple language.
Students color or glue planets onto a template in the correct order if possible, or match planets to labels with support. Model the first step on the board.
Complete the page, ask for help, and try to place planets in order.
Invite a few students to share one fact they learned. Review the sun, planets, and the words matter and temperature.
Raise hands, share, and listen to classmates.
End by reviewing that the solar system includes the sun and planets. Have students say one new word and one thing they noticed about space.
Use the checklist during sorting, discussion, and the template activity to note whether each student can identify the sun, recognize planets, and use at least one science word correctly.
Send home a simple family task: find or draw one thing in the sky at night or during the day and tell an adult one fact learned about the sun or a planet.