A great way of remembering the names of the planets in the correct order is using the mnemonic ‘my very easy method just speeds up naming’. In this activity, students will label a model of the solar system. To add another lay of creativity, ask your students to come up with their own mnemonic for the order of the planets!
As an extension, have students create another diagram that orders the planets in order of mass, orbital period, year, discovery date, or average temperature. Alternatively, add a description box underneath each planet and have your students research more facts about each planet.
To make this activity simpler for students who are struggling, cut up an storyboard with just the planets and have students put the planets in the correct order.
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Student Instructions
Demonstrate your understanding of the positions of the different planets by recreating the solar system using Storyboard That.
Engage students by constructing a hands-on solar system model using simple items like clay, beads, or paper.Hands-on creation reinforces understanding and sparks curiosity.
Collect items such as colored clay, construction paper, string, scissors, and markers.Using familiar materials keeps the activity accessible and cost-effective.
Encourage research on each planet’s size and distance from the Sun.This builds critical thinking and connects facts to visual models.
Model the process of shaping planets to scale and labeling them clearly.Labels support retention and make the model a study tool.
Guide placement of the planets from the Sun outward, either along a string or on posterboard.Displaying the model reinforces correct planetary order and fosters classroom discussion.
Mnemonics like 'My Very Easy Method Just Speeds Up Naming' help students quickly remember the correct order of the planets from the Sun. Creating your own mnemonic can make learning even more memorable and fun!
Have students use a solar system diagram and ask them to drag and label each planet in order from the Sun. Adding description boxes under each planet encourages research and deeper understanding.
Encourage students to create their own mnemonics, order planets by different properties (like mass or temperature), or design personalized diagrams to make learning about the solar system more engaging.
Simplify the activity by using a cut-up storyboard with only planet images and have students arrange them in the correct order. This helps reinforce learning in a hands-on way.
Students should explore unique facts such as planet size, mass, distance from the Sun, orbital period, discovery date, and average temperature to develop a well-rounded understanding of each planet.