1. The Solar System By: Julie Gorman

2. Learning Objectives Learn the correct order of the planets from the sun Identify the different temperatures of the planets Learn that the Sun is a star composed of gases

3. Essential Question What does our solar system consist of?

4. Unit Questions How many planets are in the solar system? Which planet is closest to the Sun? What is the largest planet?

5. TEKS §112.14. Science, Grade 3, (8) Earth and space. The student knows there are recognizable patterns in the natural world and among objects in the sky [in the Sun, Earth, and Moon system]. The student is expected to: (A) observe, measure, record, and compare day-to-day weather changes in different locations at the same time that include air temperature, wind direction, and precipitation; (B) describe and illustrate the Sun as a star composed of gases that provides light and heat energy for the water cycle; [and] (C) construct models that demonstrate the relationship of the Sun, Earth, and Moon, including orbits and positions ; and [.] (D) identify the planets in Earth's solar system and their position in relation to the Sun.

6. Group Work Activities Have groups color the different planets, cut them out, and paste them on a large piece of black paper in the correct order.

7. Individual Activities Have each student make a space mobile. Have each student choose a planet to discuss in front of the class. The students can explain to the class what they have learned about that particular planet.

8. References http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/teks/science/ch1 12a_as_approved032709.pdf http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/teks/science/ch1 12a_as_approved032709.pdf http://www.proteacher.org/c/65_Solar_Sys tem.html http://www.proteacher.org/c/65_Solar_Sys tem.html