Plot the Planets

Use Crayola® Gel Markers to add a colorful diagram to a report on the natural cycles of the solar system.

• 1.

  Explore a variety of resources to gather information about the solar system. View models, visit a planetarium, and search school libraries and the Internet.

• 2.

  Form groups of 10. Choose to be a specific planet or the sun. Make your own name tag with Crayola Gel Markers and an index card. Attach your name tags with masking tape. Arrange group members in order in relation to the sun. Simulate planet rotational cycles.

• 3.

  Write short reports on the solar system, explaining its cycles and patterns. Prepare final reports with Crayola Colored Pencils on colorful construction paper.

• 4.

  Plot the planets using crayons and colored pencils in a large diagram to illustrate your report.

Benefits

• Students identify and explain natural cycles and patterns in the solar system.
• Children write short reports about the solar system.
• Students plot the order of the planets in a colorful diagram.

Adaptations

• Make a scale model of the solar system. Choose an object to represent the sun (kickball, grapefruit, paper plate). Calculate approximate sizes of planets in relation to the sun. Or search the Internet for a Web site that will do the calculations.
• Design a fictional solar system on large black paper with 16 planets, one in each of the 16 Crayola Crayon Colors. Use Crayola Colored Pencils to give each planet (and crayon color) a cool name.
• Create a tour book about your solar system. Each planet's page can include a drawing of a native of the planet and information about life there.
• Provide opportunities for pre-writers to share what they've learned about the solar system using alternatives to writing, such as presenting oral reports, building models, and creating short picture books.