| Name: ______________________________ | Date: ______________ |
Instructions
- Join the space mission and learn about our solar system.
- Read each question carefully and use what you know about planets, moons, and the Sun.
- Check your answers after completing each section.
Example: Which star is at the center of our solar system?
Answer: The Sun
Part 1: Launch Preparations
Complete each sentence with the correct science word.
1. The planet we live on is __________.
2. The Sun is a __________, not a planet.
3. The force that pulls objects toward planets is called __________.
4. The path an object follows around another object in space is an __________.
Part 2: Planet Scan
Choose the best answer for each question.
5. Which planet is closest to the Sun?
| ○ A. Mercury | ○ B. Earth |
| ○ C. Mars | ○ D. Neptune |
6. Which planet is famous for its bright rings?
| ○ A. Venus | ○ B. Saturn |
| ○ C. Mercury | ○ D. Earth |
7. Which planet is the largest in our solar system?
| ○ A. Mars | ○ B. Jupiter |
| ○ C. Uranus | ○ D. Venus |
8. Which object is Earth's natural satellite?
| ○ A. The Sun | ○ B. The Moon |
| ○ C. An asteroid | ○ D. A comet |
Part 3: Mission Control
Write True or False for each statement.
9. The solar system includes the Sun and the objects that orbit it. True / False
10. Venus is farther from the Sun than Neptune. True / False
11. Mars is often called the Red Planet. True / False
12. The Moon makes its own light like a star. True / False
13. Earth takes about one year to orbit the Sun. True / False
Part 4: Space Crew Match
Match each space object or planet with its correct description.
| 14. | Mercury | __________ | A. The smallest planet and closest to the Sun |
| 15. | Earth | __________ | B. A planet surrounded by beautiful rings |
| 16. | Jupiter | __________ | C. Earth's natural satellite |
| 17. | Saturn | __________ | D. The largest planet |
| 18. | The Moon | __________ | E. A planet with liquid water and life |
Part 5: Astronaut Notes (optional challenge)
Answer each question in a complete sentence or phrase.
19. Why do we have day and night on Earth? |
20. What is one difference between a planet and a star? |
21. Name the four rocky planets closest to the Sun. |
22. Why does the Moon appear to change shape during the month? |
Answer Key
| 1. | Earth |
| 2. | star |
| 3. | gravity |
| 4. | orbit |
| 5. | A (Mercury) |
| 6. | B (Saturn) |
| 7. | B (Jupiter) |
| 8. | B (The Moon) |
| 9. | True |
| 10. | False |
| 11. | True |
| 12. | False |
| 13. | True |
| 14. | A (The smallest planet and closest to the Sun) |
| 15. | E (A planet with liquid water and life) |
| 16. | D (The largest planet) |
| 17. | B (A planet surrounded by beautiful rings) |
| 18. | C (Earth's natural satellite) |
| 19. | Earth spins on its axis, so different parts face toward or away from the Sun. |
| 20. | A star makes its own light, while a planet does not. |
| 21. | Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. |
| 22. | We see different amounts of the Moon's sunlit side as it orbits Earth. |