Our Solar System - FREE Video Worksheet - Middle School Earth & Space Science

What makes up our solar system? How big is it? Why do planets orbit the Sun? Our solar system is a fascinating cosmic neighborhood containing the Sun, eight planets, dozens of moons, asteroids, comets, and more - all held together by gravity! Understanding our solar system helps us comprehend our place in the universe.

[Preview this free video here on YouTube]

Standards:
Perfect for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students studying astronomy, space science, and Earth's place in the universe. This video aligns with 🎯NGSS standard MS-ESS1, exploring the solar system's scale, composition, and gravitational interactions.

TEKS Addressed: 
🎯 Middle School Science: 7.9.A - The student is expected to describe the physical properties, locations, and movements of the Sun, planets, moons, meteors, asteroids, comets, Kuiper belt, and Oort cloud
🎯 7.9.B - The student is expected to describe how gravity governs motion within Earth's solar system
🎯 7.9.C - The student is expected to analyze the characteristics of Earth that allow life to exist such as the proximity of the Sun, presence of water, and composition of the atmosphere.

⭐ What's Covered?:

✅ The Sun: Our star and the center of the solar system 
✅ The eight planets in order: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune 
✅ Inner planets (rocky) vs outer planets (gas/ice giants) 
✅ Moons, asteroid belt, Kuiper Belt, and comets 
✅ Why planets orbit the Sun (gravity!) 
✅ Scale and distances in the solar system 
✅ What makes Earth unique and habitable

What will the students be doing?

● Students will be given either a printed or digital handout to record answers on.

● Either individually or as a class watch the video

● Then, they will use the video and their own knowledge to answer the questions.

● Use questions to spark discussions and apply information beyond the page!