• name the planets.
• show each planet's position in the Solar System in relation to its orbit path around the Sun.

Activity

Set up a display of books that show the Solar System.

Hand out an 8 1/2" x 11" sheet of white bristol board containing circles representing the 9 planets, drawn to scale.

Have the students:

1. use the books, showing the Solar System, to determine which planets are represented by the circles eg. which circle is Earth; which Uranus; etc.,

2. write the names of the planets on the circles,

3. color each planet, and

4. on a large sheet of manilla paper, draw the orbit paths, as each circle is positioned in relation to how close the planet is to the Sun. (Note: Use the same color for the orbit path as was used for the planet)

Assessment Tips from Old Tom the Turtle

• Circulate and observe each child's work in progress.
• Evaluate the child's final product.