The Planet and the Solar System

Lesson Plan: The Planet and the Solar System

Grade Level:

Primary School (Beginner)

Subject:

Science

Lesson Overview

In this lesson, students will explore the solar system and learn the names of the eight planets in English. They will discover basic facts about each planet, such as size, color, and position in the solar system. Through interactive activities, they will classify planets, create a simple solar system model, and practice describing planets in English

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
✅ Name the planets in the solar system. (Remembering)
✅ Describe some planet features using simple adjectives. (Understanding)
✅ Sort planets by size or distance from the Sun. (Applying)
✅ Create a simple solar system model with everyday materials. (Creating)
✅ Share what they learned in a short conversation in English. (Evaluating)

Materials Needed

🪐 Pictures or models of the solar system
🎨 Colored paper, scissors, glue, polystyrene balls (or other craft materials)
📝 Flashcards with planet names
🎤 Video or songs about planets (e.g., The Solar System Song)

Lesson Structure

1️⃣ Introduction (10 min) – Let's Discover the Solar System!

• Show pictures of the solar system and ask simple questions:
  "What is this?" → "It’s the Sun!"
  "How many planets are there?" → "There are eight planets!"
• Introduce basic vocabulary with flashcards: Sun, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune.
• Engage students with a song about planets.

2️⃣ Instructional Activities (30 min)

🔵 Sorting Activity – Classify the Planets

• Use pictures or objects to help students sort planets as big/small, hot/cold, near/far from the Sun.

🎨 Creative Activity – Build a Solar System

• Students create a small solar system model using paper or recycled materials.
• Each student picks a planet, colors it, and places it in the correct spot.

3️⃣ Cooperative Learning (15 min)

• Pair students and have them present their planet: "This is Mars. It is red and small."
• Ask students to repeat their partner’s planet name.

4️⃣ Conclusion (10 min) – Let's Talk About Space!

• Quick review with questions: "Which planet is the biggest?" "Which planet do we live on?"
• Ask students to choose their favorite planet and explain why ("I like Saturn because it has rings!").
• End with a song or review game.

Assessment

✔️ Observe participation during activities.
✔️ Check if they can name and describe at least one planet.
✔️ Use a checklist to see if they followed instructions in the craft activity.

Extensions

🌍 Organize a mini "Planet Show" where each student presents a planet.
🔭 Invite a guest speaker (or show a video) about space.

SCIENCE CLIL: OUR SOLAR SYSTEM (PLANETS). English for kids.