Following up from my introduction and space fact I have included an inquiry based activity looking at the orbit of space, planets and dwarf planets.
I like to begin a lesson with a KWL chart to elicit prior knowledge.
KWL Chart:
K (Know): Students share what they know about planets and the sun.
W (Want to know): Students ask questions like, “Why do planets orbit the sun?” and “How many planets are there?”
Hands-on Activity:
Use a large ball for the sun and smaller balls for planets.
Place the large ball in the centre of a clear space.
Arrange smaller balls around it to represent planets.
Students take turns moving their planet balls around the sun to simulate orbits.
Additional Materials:
Use string or a hula hoop to show orbital paths.
Discuss how each planet has its own path around the sun.
Revisit KWL Chart:
L (Learned): Students share insights like, “Planets move around the sun in circles,” “Planets are different sizes,” and “The sun is at the centre of our solar system.”
This activity makes learning about the solar system tangible, promotes curiosity, and encourages critical thinking.
Linkage: song about the orbit of planets which the children in senior infants loved this year.
The Planet Song – 8 Planets of the Solar System Song for Kids | KidsLearningTube
To extend this lesson:
As an extension activity, introduce the five dwarf planets. Children are always fascinated to learn about these as many have only heard of Pluto. Use even smaller balls to represent them. Explain that dwarf planets Ceres, Pluto, Haumea, Makemake, and Eris also orbit the sun but are smaller and not classified as main planets. Have students place these dwarf planet balls in the correct positions and discuss their unique characteristics. This adds depth to their understanding of the solar system and highlights the diversity of celestial bodies.
Linkage : linking to music the children in senior infants really enjoyed this dwarf planet song:
Dwarf Planet Song | Space Explained by KLT!