C Curriculum Explorer
Science·Space Exploration·conceptual

The Eight Planets

Name the eight planets in order from the Sun (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune), know that Pluto is a dwarf planet, and distinguish rocky inner planets from gas giant outer planets

Suggested ages 7–9

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Learning journey

Your child is discovering how our solar system works — learning about Earth's movements that create day and night, exploring the eight planets and their features, and understanding how we use robots and telescopes to study space.

Evidence of understanding

  • List all eight planets in order from the Sun
  • State that Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006
  • Explain that the four inner planets are small and rocky while the four outer planets are large gas giants

Assessment prompt

Can The Eight Planets list all eight planets in order from the Sun — maybe using a memory trick like 'My Very Eager Mother Just Served Us Nachos'?

Standards alignment

No external standards are linked to this topic.