Grade 5 students explore the solar system in this lesson from Chapter 5 of Science: A Closer Look, learning how the Sun, eight planets, moons, comets, asteroids, and meteoroids make up our solar system. Students discover how telescopes — including optical telescopes, space telescopes like the Hubble, and radio telescopes — help scientists observe distant objects in space. The lesson also introduces Astronomical Units (AU) as a measure of planetary distance, with a hands-on modeling activity to compare the vast distances between planets.
Section 1
Telescopes Reveal Space Objects Beyond Earth
Scientists use different types of telescopes to observe space. Optical telescopes gather visible light, space telescopes avoid atmospheric interference, and radio telescopes record data from radio waves.
Section 2
Planets Orbit the Sun in Specific Patterns
Our solar system contains eight planets that travel in elliptical orbits around the Sun. Inner planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars) have rocky surfaces, while outer planets have gaseous surfaces.
Section 3
Comets Transform as They Approach the Sun
Comets begin as frozen mixtures of gas, ice, dust, and rock. When approaching the Sun, their cores warm up, forming a coma cloud and a glowing tail that always points away from the Sun.
Section 4
Space Probes Explore Distant Worlds
Scientists send unmanned vehicles with scientific instruments to investigate planets, moons, and other objects in space. These probes take pictures and collect data about surfaces, atmospheres, and geology.
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Section 1
Telescopes Reveal Space Objects Beyond Earth
Scientists use different types of telescopes to observe space. Optical telescopes gather visible light, space telescopes avoid atmospheric interference, and radio telescopes record data from radio waves.
Section 2
Planets Orbit the Sun in Specific Patterns
Our solar system contains eight planets that travel in elliptical orbits around the Sun. Inner planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars) have rocky surfaces, while outer planets have gaseous surfaces.
Section 3
Comets Transform as They Approach the Sun
Comets begin as frozen mixtures of gas, ice, dust, and rock. When approaching the Sun, their cores warm up, forming a coma cloud and a glowing tail that always points away from the Sun.
Section 4
Space Probes Explore Distant Worlds
Scientists send unmanned vehicles with scientific instruments to investigate planets, moons, and other objects in space. These probes take pictures and collect data about surfaces, atmospheres, and geology.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter