What Is the Solar System?

 

Science: Earth & Space Science

• Grade: 1

The sun and eight planets make up our solar system. The sun gives off heat and light.

The planets move around the sun. They spin as they move. Mercury is one of those planets. It is closest to the sun.

Earth is one of those planets too. We live on Earth. As Earth spins, part of it faces the sun. That part of Earth is having daytime. The other part of Earth is dark then. The dark part is having nighttime.

Comprehension Questions

If appropriate, read each question out loud to your students. For open-response questions, if you want students to type their answers, consider writing the word(s) on the board for them to copy. You may also consider having students draw their answers or answer orally, depending on their progress.

1.

What makes up the solar system? 

1. the sun and stars 
2. eight planets 
3. the sun and eight planets 

2.

The passage lists two planets in the solar system. What are the two planets listed? 

1. Mercury and Earth 
2. the Sun and Mercury 
3. Earth and the stars 

3.

The part of the Earth facing the sun is having daytime. Why is the other part of the Earth having nighttime? 

1. It is not facing the sun. 
2. It is closest to the sun. 
3. The planets move around the sun. 

4.

What is the theme of “What is the Solar System”? 

1. how we get daytime and nighttime 
2. facts about the solar system 
3. what planets are in the solar system 

5.

Picture the solar system in your mind. Where is the sun?

The sun is

(written answer)

6.

What did you learn from “What is the Solar System”? 

(written answer)

7.

Class Discussion Question: Why does the part of Earth facing the sun change? 

(written answer)

8.

Draw a picture of the solar system. Be sure to include every part mentioned in the passage. 

(drawing should be done outside of the website)