Exploring the Solar System

Ages:4th - 6th grade

Beginning on Earth, students will observe the constellations visible during the season of your visit and learn how to distinguish planets from stars in the nighttime sky. Our tour doesn’t only take place on Earth — we will “blast off” to get a closer look at each destination in our Solar System. Students will witness the planets revolving around the Sun and discover how Earth’s rotation and revolution affects our daily lives. We will visit the Sun, each planet, the asteroid belt, and more, discussing the characteristics of each location in depth before returning safely back to Earth.

Teacher Resources

Click on each image for more information.

New York State Science Learning Standards covered by the program for 4th grade, 5th grade, and middle school students.

Printable vocabulary list with terms used during the show.

Printable worksheet with a short article and activities about the planets in our Solar System.

Printable worksheet with a short article and activities about the differences between asteroids, meteors, meteoroids, meteorites, and comets.

Printable worksheet with a short article and activities about the Curiosity rover on Mars.

Visit this page to explore more than 40 educational resources curated by our astronomy educators! Discover apps that allow you to explore the Solar System, educational comics, tips for nighttime observing, and more.