Planets:
In doing a lesson on the planets with my class, I would first brainstorm what the class know about the planets.
There is also a memorable song- The Planet Song that I would link with my music lesson at the same time.
The ESA planet resource that was mentioned further up in the forum would also be useful as a printout. I would discuss basic facts about each planet with the class.
If time allows, I would do up a few information/discovery packs on the various planets and have them at various learning stations for the pupils to visit (set up like stations).
There is a website that allows you to compare your age on earth with the age you would be on another planet. Anytime I have used it, the pupils have loved it and it is a fun, personable way of introducing the concept of orbit lengths to the class.
I really liked what Matthew said about making the solar system out of playdough. I think that’s a wonderful idea and I would also link this topic in with art in some way.