This solar system diagram worksheet has 4th graders label all eight planets in order from the Sun, then answer four questions about the diagram. An answer key is included, so review takes only minutes.
This Drawing Moon Phases Worksheet gives 4th grade students eight circles to shade, one for every phase of the moon in order, plus two questions to explain what they see. An answer key is included.
This seasons causes worksheet asks 4th graders to read a tilted Earth diagram, name the season in the northern half, and sort real causes from common myths. An answer key with a model response is included.
This solar system activity is a Space Race game where 2nd to 5th Grade students spin, write and color the eight planets in order. Includes trivia cards, practice and answer key.
This outer planets worksheet has 4th graders read a short Fact File, order Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune from the Sun, and compare gas giants with ice giants. Answer key included.
This Jupiter Planet Worksheet gives 4th graders a short science passage, a word bank, and two written-response questions about the largest planet. Answer key included for fast, no-prep solar system practice.
This Solar System Worksheet has 4th graders research asteroids, meteoroids, meteors, meteorites and comets, recording where each is found and one key fact. Answer key included.
Students read a short Neptune Fact File, then use it to finish five sentences and answer two written questions. This Neptune planet worksheet is built for 4th grade and includes a complete answer key.
This Moon Phases Cookies Worksheet asks 4th graders to name all eight moon phases from drawings and explain what they see. An answer key is included, so it is ready to print and teach.
This inner planets worksheet has 4th graders read a Fact File, order Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars by distance from the Sun, and explain why Venus runs hotter. Answer key included for fast, no-prep science practice.
Using thisMoon Song (MP3), students learn about the phases of the moon through catchy, interesting lyrics.
In this solar system sequencing planets activity, kindergarten to 5th grade students put the eight planets in order from the Sun and match their names. Answer key included.
Space flash cards with bright pictures of the sun, moon, planets and more help kindergarten to 4th grade students learn space words and facts. An answer key is included.
These Space Shuttle Cut Outs will quickly give you templates for classroom decoration or student activities.
This earth shadows the moon worksheet helps 4th grade students draw Earth's shadow, spot a total lunar eclipse, and explain when eclipses happen. An answer key is included for quick checking.
Materials available in this Space Lesson Plan include two Space Activities, four Planets Worksheets, and one Planets Flash Cards Set.
UsingIts Just a Phase Phases of the Moon Activity, students put the phases of the moon in order so they can understand the pattern of the moon.
Planets, phases and why we have seasons
Fourth graders learn how Earth moves and why it matters. Earth spins on its axis once a day, giving us day and night, and travels around the sun once a year. Its tilt is the reason we have seasons: tilted toward the sun = summer. Kids study the moon's phases, from new moon to full moon and back, and learn that the moon doesn't make its own light. They compare the inner rocky planets to the outer gas giants. The click moment is when kids realize the moon isn't changing shape at all, we just see different amounts of its lit-up side.
Space is huge and hard to picture. These moves make it something kids can see and hold.
Have kids label a solar system diagram, then add one fact about each planet. Comparing sizes and distances on paper helps them picture how big space really is.
Why it works: children learn more from words and pictures together than from words alone (Mayer, 2009).
Try it withSolar System Diagram WorksheetWorksheetsOpen it →Darken the room, use a lamp as the sun and give each kid a ball on a stick as the moon. As they turn, they see the phases appear on their own ball. It's the best "aha" in 4th grade science.
Why it works: the U.S. Department of Education's guide for teaching elementary math recommends moving from hands-on objects to drawings to numbers.
Try it withIts Just a Phase Phases of the Moon ActivityActivitiesOpen it →Use the space lesson plan to walk through Earth's rotation, revolution and tilt in order. Model with a globe and flashlight before kids explain it in their own words.
Why it works: showing first, practicing together, then letting kids try alone is the "gradual release" model teachers have relied on for decades (Pearson and Gallagher, 1983).
Try it withSpace Lesson PlanLesson PlansOpen it →Space lessons are even better with a little fun mixed in.
WorksheetsScrape the frosting off sandwich cookies to make each moon phase. Yes, you can eat your homework!
Open Moon Phases Cookies Worksheet →
Flash CardsQuiz each other on planets, stars and space words. Keep score to see who's the class astronaut.
Open Space Flash Cards →
SongsSing along about the moon, then draw each phase the song mentions.
Open Moon Song (MP3) →Teacher favorites right now: Solar System Diagram Worksheet, Drawing Moon Phases Worksheet and Seasons Causes Worksheet.
Fourth graders learn about Earth's rotation and revolution, what causes day and night and the seasons, the phases of the moon and the planets in our solar system.
Earth's tilt causes the seasons. When our part of Earth tilts toward the sun, we get more direct sunlight and summer. When it tilts away, we get winter.
The moon doesn't really change shape. As it orbits Earth, we see different amounts of its sunlit side, which creates the phases.
Track the moon every night for a month and draw what you see. Use a flashlight and a ball to show how the sun lights up the moon.
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