1. The Solar System Michelle Blevins

2. TEKS §112.14 Science Grade 3 (b) Knowledge and Skills (8) Earth and Space. The student knows there are recognizable patterns in the natural world and among objects in the sky. The student is expected to : (B) describe and illustrate the Sun as a star composed of gasses that provides light and heat energy for the water cycle. (C) construct models that demonstrate the relationship of the Sun, Earth, and Moon, including oribts and positions; and (D) identify the planets in Earth’s solar system and their position in relation to the Sun.

3. Learning Objectives Understand the Sun’s composition and classification as a star. Be able to identify the 8 planets of our solar system. Be able to demonstrate the orbits and relative positions of each planet around the sun. Be familiar with the orbit of the Moon around Earth.

4. The 8 Planets of Our Solar System Mercury Venus Earth Mars Jupiter Saturn Uranus Neptune As you may know, Pluto is no longer considered a planet, but a dwarf planet, a distinct new classification of celestial bodies orbiting the sun. Pluto’s classification was changed to Dwarf Planet because it shares its orbital space with other bodies.

5. The Sun The Sun is a yellow star around which all the planets in our solar system orbit. Our Sun is not unique. It is one of billions of stars with orbiting planets throughout the universe. It is composed mostly of hydrogen gas and helium. The Sun provides heat and light for Earth and the other planets in our Solar System. Did you know? The sun is the most massive object in our solar system. Also, its light takes a little over 8 minutes to reach our planet!

6. Our Solar System’s Orbit All the planets orbit around the Sun. They move at different speeds, but all in the same direction. Mercury, the closest planet, completes its orbit in just 87 days. Earth’s orbit takes 365 days. The dwarf planet Pluto takes 248 years to finish an orbit!

7. The Moon The Moon orbits the Earth in the same way the planets orbit the Sun. The moon is responsible for regulating the ocean’s tides and helps play a role in the seasons. Did You Know? In 1969 astronauts took their first steps on the moon.

8. Hands On Fun Visit www.kidsastronomy.com/fun/orbitsV3.swf, and create our solar system yourself.www.kidsastronomy.com/fun/orbitsV3.swf Explore the planets at www.kidsastronomy.com, then create a postcard or brochure convincing your friends to visit the planet that you find most interestingwww.kidsastronomy.com What did the moon look like the day you were born? Find out at www.tycho.usno.navy.mil/vphase.html www.tycho.usno.navy.mil/vphase.html Perform “Estimate the Distance Between the Earth and Moon” activity in a small group.

9. References http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/rules/tac/chapter112/ch112a.html http://tycho.usno.navy.mil/vphase.html http://kidsastromony.com/solar_system.htm