Our Place in the Universe

Active Learning Lesson
Our Place in Space!

Grade 6
Elizabeth Frye


E.6.8 Students will demonstrate an understanding of Earth's place in the universe and the interactions of the solar system (sun, planets, their moons, comets, and asteroids) using evidence from multiple scientific resources to explain how these objects are held in orbit around the Sun because of its gravitational pull.

Open Ended

Where do we fit in the universe?

Our Galaxy!

We fit in Space through layers of the universe! There is an estimated 2 trillion galaxies in the universe and we are found in one, the Milky Way. Within the Milky Way, is our solar system, and within that, our planet Earth is found.

Where do we fit in Space?

The center of our solar system is the sun.
Every planet, asteroid, moon, comet, etc. revolves around the sun.
Let's watch this video for an up close view!

​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmSPRZVrDlc

Multiple Choice

Which is the correct order of the planets in our Solar System?

(Starting with the Sun)

• Neptune, Uranus, Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Earth, Venus Mercury

• Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune

• Mars, Earth, Venus, Mercury, Saturn, Jupiter, Neptune, Uranus

The Terrestrial Planets

Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars

The Terrestrial planets (also known as the Rocky planets) are the first 4 planets in our solar system. These planets have a compact, rocky makeup and are the four innermost planets in our solar system. These planets have canyons, craters, mountains, and volcanoes. Think of the terrestrial planet we live on, Earth.

The Jovian Planets

Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune

The Jovian planets (also known as the Gas and Ice Giants) are the last 4 planets in our solar system. These planets have small cores and are divided into two categories. Jupiter and Saturn are gaseous (hydrogen and helium) while Uranus and Neptune are made of rock and ice. These planets are the outermost planets of the solar system, contain hundreds of moons and rings. Saturn's rings may be the most visible, however the other 3 planets have rings as well!

Draw

Draw and create a planet of your own!

We live on Earth! Earth is the only planet that can sustain human life inhabiting 8 billion people. It rotates on an axis because of inertia, which is an object's resistance to changes in its current state of motion. Earth is the perfect distance from the sun and has water and carbon that keeps life sustained. Our planet is unique in the solar system!

​How do YOU fit in the Solar System?

Word Cloud

What is your favorite planet?

Poll

Could you see yourself having a career in space in some capacity? (astronaut, aerospace engineer, scientist, etc.)

• YES

• no

• maybe...

Open Ended

Did you learn something new today? Please share below!