Florida SC.5.E.5.3

Science5th GradeEarth in Space and Time

The Standard

Distinguish among the following objects of the Solar System -- Sun, planets, moons, asteroids, comets -- and identify Earth's position in it.

Florida Next Generation Sunshine State Standards for Science

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students identify each type of Solar System object by what it is and what it orbits. They locate Earth as the third planet from the Sun and recognize that the Moon orbits Earth.
What Mastery Looks Like: Given pictures or descriptions, students correctly classify the Sun, planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. They place Earth in the correct position and explain the basic differences among the objects.
Common Misconceptions: Students may call the Sun a planet or place Earth at the center of the Solar System. They may confuse moons with planets, or assume asteroids and comets are the same kind of object.
How to Assess It: Exit ticket: Match five object descriptions to Sun, planet, moon, asteroid, or comet, then mark Earth's position on a simple Solar System diagram.

Lesson moves

Use a lamp, foam balls, beads, pebbles, and a clay comet to build and label a tabletop Solar System model.
Write a comparison of an asteroid and a comet, including what each is made of and how it moves.
Play a card sort relay using object pictures, names, features, and orbit clues.
Examine NASA images of Solar System objects and create captions that name each object and explain its classification.

Free download

A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to SC.5.E.5.3, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.

PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.

Keep exploring

Grade, subject, topic, and the complete standard are prefilled. Create one free, no account needed.