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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Aboriginal Interpretations of the Night Sky Worksheet
A worksheet that explores how Aboriginal peoples interpreted the night sky.
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Day and Night Venn Diagram & Worksheet Pack
Compare day and night using this Day and Night Venn Diagram and Worksheet Pack for Year 1.
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Earth's Rotation and Revolution PowerPoint
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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Earth's Rotation – Flipbook
Model and explain how Earth’s rotation causes the sun to move across the sky with this interactive flipbook.
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Planets Collaborative Colouring Display
Combine colouring with awareness of the planets and the solar system with this collaborative colouring sheet.
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Objects in Space Graphic Organiser Pack
Research other features in the solar system besides the sun and the planets with an Objects in Space Graphic Organiser.
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Design a Planet Project
Explore the different planets during this design your own planet project for kids.
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Free Planet Colouring Pages
Use these black and white planet templates as colouring in pages for your students.
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Sun Observation Project
Use observations of the sun to describe patterns that can be predicted with this journal project.
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Day and Night Booklet
Learn about the differences between night and day with this printable Day and Night Booklet.
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Objects in the Sky – Writing Prompts
Describe objects in the sky, such as the clouds, moon and sun, with this set of 8 space science writing prompts.
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Moon Phases – Poster Set
Learn about the lunar cycle with this this set of posters showing the different phases of the moon.
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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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All About the Sun – Comprehension Worksheet
Integrate science and reading while learning about the Sun with this comprehension worksheet.
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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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Interplay of the Sun, Earth and Moon Poster
A poster showing the interplay of the Sun, Earth and Moon.
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Rocket Revolution PowerPoint
Discover the history and future of space exploration and rocket science with an engaging Rocket Revolution PowerPoint!
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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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Planet Fact File Pack with Comprehension Worksheets
Learn the facts of each of the planets in our solar system with these planet fact file sheets and accompanying comprehension worksheets.
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Planets Escape Room Activity
Navigate facts about different planets with this fun and engaging escape room style activity with your students.
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Orbital Period of Planets Poster and Worksheet
Learn about the time it takes each planet to orbit the sun with this poster and cut-and-paste worksheet for your students.
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Phases of the Moon – Journal Project
Observe, describe and record patterns of the lunar cycle with this moon-tracking project.
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Phases of the Moon Worksheet for Year 2
Challenge year 2 students to label the phases of the moon as they appear in the southern hemisphere with this printable science worksheet.
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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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Snapshots of the Moon – Moon Tracking Booklet
Obverse the moon over the course of the month and chart observations with this moon phases mini-book.
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Planet Puzzle Match-Up Activity
Use your knowledge of the solar system to complete 8 different planet puzzles.
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Solar System Craft - Mobile of the Solar System
Use this printable solar system craft when learning about the planets and their position in relation to the Sun.
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Individual Planet Posters
Use this set of posters with your space unit to teach about the individual planets.
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Planets of the Solar System Factbook & Worksheet
Bring the planets in the solar system into focus with a fun worksheet that can be turned into a factbook!
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Rotation vs. Revolution – Cut and Paste Worksheet (Stage 2)
Demonstrate an understanding of rotation vs. revolution with this cut and paste worksheet.
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Playdough Constellation Activity Mats
Explore the cosmos and get hands-on with objects in the sky using our Playdough Constellation Activity Mats.
- Free Plan
Day and Night Worksheets
Use this set of printable Day and Night Worksheets to encourage students to think about the differences between nighttime and daytime.