Planets on the Move - Worksheet

The 'Planets on the Move' worksheet is an educational resource designed to engage students with fascinating questions about our solar system. It prompts learners to consider what lies at the heart of our solar system and to name the circular paths that planets trace as they orbit the Sun. The worksheet encourages curiosity about the time it takes for Earth to rotate on its axis and the duration of a planet's orbit around the Sun, specifically questioning the length of Neptune's year and identifying the fastest planet in completing an orbit. Students are also asked to recall which planet has a day that exceeds the length of its year and to explain the force that keeps planets from drifting into the vastness of space. Additionally, the concept of a leap year is explored, along with the reason for its occurrence in our calendar.

Complementing the worksheet is a 'Solar System Crossword' that serves as an interactive way for students to consolidate their understanding of planetary movements and characteristics. The crossword clues cover a variety of topics, including the force that maintains planetary orbits, the planet with the longest and shortest years, and the one with a day length similar to Earth's. It also challenges students to think about the special name given to an Earth year that includes an extra day, the term for the time it takes a planet to complete a full rotation on its axis, and the name of Earth's satellite. The crossword and its answers provide a fun and engaging method for students to reinforce their knowledge of the solar system, ensuring they grasp key astronomical concepts.