Space Science Teaching Resources
Browse printable space science worksheets, digital activities and a whole lot more to open the galaxy up for your elementary and middle school students.
This collection of NGSS scurriculum-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, 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 in Elementary School?
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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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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Moon Phases – Cut and Paste Activity
Create a diagram showing the different moon phases and their names with this cut-and-paste activity sheet.
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Free Planet Coloring Pages
Use these black and white planet templates as coloring pages for your students.
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Sun Facts Writing Template
Research, write, and display information about the sun with this printable sun template.
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The Solar System - Planets in Order
Show the planets in order with this beautifully designed printable science poster.
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Inner vs. Outer Planets – Cut and Paste Worksheet
Sort inner and outer planets with this cut-and-paste science worksheet.
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Our Solar System - Interactive and Printable Cloze Reading Activity
Practice and review concepts associated with the solar system using a cloze passage.
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Phases of the Moon – Comprehension Worksheet
Analyze different moon phases and how their visual appearances change over time with this reading comprehension worksheet.
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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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Phases of the Moon – Worksheet
Label the phases of the moon as they appear in the northern hemisphere with this printable science worksheet.
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Celestial Bodies – Earth, Sun, and Moon – Instructional Slide Deck
Learn information about the Earth, sun, and moon while comparing the physical characteristics of each with this 22-slide instructional slide deck.
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What Causes the Seasons to Change? – Instructional Slide Deck
Explore what causes the seasons to change and learn about solstices and equinoxes with this instructional slide deck.
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What Causes the Seasons? Mini-Book
Explore what causes the seasons on Earth to change with this printable mini-book.
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Earth's Rotation and Revolution – Instructional Slide Deck
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 instructional slide deck.
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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 Project Template
Practice research skills by exploring each planet and creating a visual display of information.
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The Seasons Around the World Posters and Worksheet
A diagram showing the Earth's rotation around the sun and the corresponding seasons in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
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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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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.
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Objects in the Sky – Mini Workbook
Observe, describe, and illustrate different objects in the sky with this printable mini-workbook.
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Earth, Sun, and Moon – Comprehension Worksheet
Read about and compare physical characteristics of the Eath, sun, and moon with this reading comprehension sheet.
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Moon Phases Diagram
Learn about the position of the moon and its phases as it orbits the Earth with this illustrated diagram.
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Solar and Lunar Eclipse Posters
Display these solar and lunar eclipse diagrams in your classroom when learning about the alignment of the Sun, Earth, and moon.
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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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The Moon – Reading Passage and Response Sheet
Engage your students with a high-interest reading passage about the moon with this informative article and accompanying response sheet.
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Moon Phases – Instructional Slide Deck
Learn about the different phases of the moon and how its appearance changes over time with this instructional slide deck.
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Cause of the Seasons – Task Cards
Demonstrate an understanding of what causes the seasons with this set of 24 task cards.
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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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Oreo® Moon Phases Worksheet
Engage your students with a science snack-tivity by completing this Oreo® moon phases worksheet.
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Phases of the Moon Activity - Task Cards
Review information about the different moon phases with this set of 24 Phases of the Moon Activity cards.
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Moon Phases Mini-Book
Read, learn, and complete comprehension exercises while studying the 8 moon phases.
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Space Mini-Book
Engage your students and inspire them to read and learn about space with a printable book for 1st grade and 2nd grade.