Space Science Teaching Resources
Browse printable space science worksheets, digital activities and a whole lot more to open the galaxy up for your primary students.
This collection of Australian science curriculum-aligned teaching resources has been created by our expert teacher team to save your valuable lesson planning time with differentiated and editable science printables and Google Slides.
Take off for the Milky Way with a look at the sun and moon and the eight planets of our solar system, introduce your students to astronomy and the history of space exploration and more with classroom-ready resources that have been carefully curated by our expert teacher team!
Looking to learn more about the space science curriculum for primary students, or just need some fresh ideas to engage your students? Read on for a primer from our teacher team!
What Is Space Science? A Kid-Friendly Definition
Space science is the study of the entire universe beyond Earth's atmosphere! It includes studying stars, the moon, the planets, galaxies, constellations and other phenomena that occur outside our planet.
This field of science covers a broad range of topics such as astrophysics, cosmology, planetary science, astrobiology and more.
How Do You Teach Space to Primary Students?
It's a complicated question, we realise, and every teacher will have their own answer based on both personal teaching philosophy and the state standards their students need to meet.
But space has fascinated kids (and grown-ups) for centuries, at least as far back as the days of Galileo inventing the telescope in the 1600s. And while more and more kids want to grow up to be a social media influencer, there are still plenty of students who are listing 'astronaut' as a future career aspiration — a fact that we can't help but attribute at least in part to teachers and their inspiring lessons on space!
So how do you write your space lesson plans? It might help to start with the themes and topics that kids typically learn throughout primary school, no matter where you teach:
- The Solar System — Your students will get to know the eight planets of our solar system and the names of each, plus their order from the sun and their characteristics.
- The Sun — Students should be learning that the sun is a star as well as learning how it creates light and heat and how it affects the Earth.
- The Moon — Kids will learn about the moon's phases plus its role in the ocean's tides and its relationship to the Earth.
- Stars and Galaxies — The classification of stars and the constellations they form are on tap at this level. Kids may also learn about galaxies and the universe.
- Space Exploration — Taking off with the astronauts, primary learners should be exposed to lessons about the history of space exploration, the first moon landing and the various space missions.
- Space Travel — Related to the concept of exploration, this is a good time to talk about the challenges of space travel, such as zero gravity, and the importance of spacesuits and other equipment.
- Space Technology — What's going on in that wide space outside of the Earth's atmosphere? It's time to teach about space technology, including satellites, telescopes, and the International Space Station.
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Planets of Our Solar System – Teaching Slides
Explore information about the planets in our solar system and their position in relation to the Sun.
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Mindfulness Planet Colouring Pages
Get mindful with this set of planet-themed mindful colouring sheets.
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Earth's Rotation and Revolution – Teaching Presentation
Explore the difference between rotation and revolution while learning about the day and night cycle, what causes the seasons to change and more with this teaching presentation.
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Space Word Search
Review science vocabulary terms with an engaging space word search.
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Planets Fact Sheets and Comprehension Worksheets
Learn the facts of each of the planets in our solar system with these fact files and matching comprehension worksheets.
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Planets of the Solar System Posters
Use this set of visually striking and informative posters about the planets of our solar system in your classroom.
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The Solar System to Scale
Display information about the order, scale and the diameter of the planets with this colourful science poster.
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Earth, Sun and Moon – Poster Pack
Display these posters with information about the Earth, Sun and moon in your science classroom.
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Planets of the Solar System – Project Template
Create a visual display of information about the planets of the solar system using this project template.
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Day and Night – Worksheet
Encourage your students to illustrate the day and night cycle with this free worksheet.
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Planets of the Solar System Flipbook
Discover each of the planets of the solar system with this engaging flip book template.
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Earth and Space Vocabulary Posters
Display this set of 18 mini-posters in your classroom when learning about Earth and space vocabulary.
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How to Make a Sundial
Print this sundial science worksheet, and follow the instructions to make a sundial with your students when exploring concepts of time.
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Celestial Bodies – Earth, Sun and Moon – Teaching Presentation
Learn information about the Earth, sun and moon while comparing the physical characteristics of each with this 22-slide teaching presentation.
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If I Could Create My Own Planet Craft Template
Explore planets and let your students get creative by developing their own planet.
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Day and Night Cycle Poster
Display information about Earth’s day and night cycle with this colourful science poster.
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The Solar System – Cut and Paste Activity
Use this cut-and-paste activity to make a mini solar system book.
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Formation of Earth - Reading Comprehension Worksheet
Combine reading and science content with a reading comprehension worksheet that focuses on the formation of Earth.
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What About Me? Other Regions and Objects of the Solar System
Explore other features in the solar system besides the sun and the planets with this one-page worksheet.
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Rotation vs. Revolution Poster Set
Display information in your classroom about the differences between rotation and revolution with this poster set.
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3D Object Astronaut Template
3D object nets to create an amazing astronaut!
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Interplay of the Sun, Earth and Moon Poster
A poster showing the interplay of the Sun, Earth and Moon.
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Day and Night Venn Diagram
Brainstorm the similarities and differences between day and night using this Venn Diagram worksheet with your students.
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Planet Research Templates
Explore the planets with these printable planet research templates to use with your students.
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Order of the Planets Display Banner
Display this banner visually showing the order of the planets for students when they are learning about the solar system.
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Order the Planets Worksheet
Help students remember the order of the planets with this cut-and-paste style worksheet.
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The Solar System in Our Space — Mathematics Investigation
A mathematics investigation about number and the scale of the solar system, embedded in a real-world context.
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Our Solar System Cloze Worksheet
Our Solar System cloze worksheet for your students to complete.
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Mars vs. Earth - Differentiated Paired Passage Worksheets
Learn about the planets with differentiated compare and contrast passages, activities and writing opportunities.
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The Relative Distance From the Sun to Earth
Scaled images of the sun and Earth to use when exploring relative size and distance.
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Movement of the Sun, Earth and Moon Model
Demonstrate the interplay and movements of the sun, Earth and moon with this hands-on model.
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Space - Word Wall Vocabulary
Use these space vocabulary words and space terms to unlock the solar system for your elementary students as they learn about space, the solar system, and the world far beyond your school.