Planet to Planet

Purpose: To learn the order of the planets from the Sun

Materials

• colored pencils
• glue
• scissors
• 2 pieces of construction paper (9 X 12)

 

Procedure

1. Fold the construction paper in half lengthwise (like a hot dog bun).
2. Use scissors and cut along the folded line.
3. Repeat steps 2–3 with the second piece of construction paper.
4. To make a long single strip, overlap the ends of each piece of paper end-to-end. The overlap should be approximately 1–2 cm. Glue the ends in place and let dry.
5. Using images from books, videos, and internet sites, color each planet pattern the appropriate color on the planet sheet.
6. Cut along the dotted lines of each planet pattern.
7. On one end of the strip of paper, color the Sun.
8. Determine the order of the planets from the Sun and lay them along the strip of paper in the correct order. Hint: My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nine Pizzas.
9. Glue each planet in place.
10. Add an asteroid belt, comets, or other heavenly objects.
11. Place an “I” next to each inner planet.
12. Place an “O” next to each outer planet.

Extension

1. Create a mobile using the planet patterns, yarn, and a wire hanger.
2. Create planets from papier-mâché, color with tempera paint, and hang from the ceiling or a coat hanger to create a class mobile.