Solar System Projects for Kids in Grades 4–6

Hands-on, no-prep planet activities that spark curiosity and support research skills

Looking for meaningful ways to teach the solar system to your 4th, 5th, or 6th grade students? These no-prep, low-material planet projects are perfect for science centers, enrichment, sub plans, or just making your astronomy unit more engaging.

Each idea includes built-in differentiation, so students at different levels can participate and succeed. These activities are especially useful when paired with research tools like books, articles, or reliable websites.

1. Planet Fact Match-Up

Objective: Reinforce key facts about each planet through deductive reasoning and reading comprehension.

What to do: Present students with facts such as “This planet has the shortest day” or “It’s the hottest planet.” They must match the clue to the correct planet.

• Low learners: Choose from a list of planet names.
• Medium learners: Use sentence clues and no word bank.
• High learners: Write their own clues and quiz a partner.

👉 Need some planet facts ready to go? These printable task cards make it quick and easy!

2. My Planet Report

Objective: Practice nonfiction writing and research using solar system content.

What to do: Assign each student a planet (or let them choose). Have them research and write a mini-report.

• Low learners: Use sentence frames like “My planet is ___” and “It is the ___ planet from the sun.”
• Medium learners: Answer structured questions (size, number of moons, temperature).
• High learners: Write a full paragraph with a hook, facts, and a concluding statement.

Use your school’s library books or safe websites like NASA’s Kids site for research.

👉 How about some printable posters and writing papers for your research? Click HERE.

3. Planet Commercials

Objective: Build public speaking skills through a creative, science-based presentation.

What to do: Students create a “commercial” for their assigned planet—trying to convince the class it’s the best one.

• Low learners: Use 1–2 facts and draw a visual aid.
• Medium learners: Present 3–4 facts with a creative slogan.
• High learners: Include comparisons (e.g., “Unlike Earth, my planet…”), persuasive language, and humor.

Optional: Record presentations for parents or science night!

4. Artistic Planet Size Comparison

Objective: Visualize the relative sizes of the planets in a creative format.

What to do: Students draw each planet to scale on paper (use inches, centimeters, or circles). Compare their sizes and label them.

• Low learners: Use pre-measured templates.
• Medium learners: Measure and label with teacher support.
• High learners: Add facts next to each planet (diameter, order, atmosphere, etc.).

This visual helps students grasp abstract concepts like planet size and distance.

5. Solar System Foldables (No Reading Passages Needed!)

Objective: Reinforce planet facts through research and interactive review.

What to do: Use this printable Solar System Interactive Notebook Activity where students research and match planet facts with flap-style foldables.

👉 Download the Solar System Interactive Notebook Activity here.

What’s included:

• 3 notebook pages with 18 planet fact flaps
• Students read each clue and identify the correct planet
• Pluto is included (with note about dwarf planet status)
• Answer key provided
• Color and black & white versions for flexible printing

Perfect for:

• Interactive notebooks
• Science centers
• Independent research projects
• Review before a quiz or test
• Cross-curricular integration with ELA

Note: Students will need access to planet facts through books, digital resources, or prior lessons.

Exploring the solar system doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With simple, no-prep activities that encourage creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, your students can dive into astronomy in a way that’s both meaningful and fun. Whether you're introducing a new unit or reinforcing planet facts, these ideas help make space science memorable for every learner.

Please feel free to message me with any requests or comments.

Thank you so much!

❤️ Shelly Anton

Promoting Success for You and Your Students!

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Promoting-Success

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