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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Design a Planet Project
Explore the different planets during this design your own planet project for kids.
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Objects in Space Graphic Organizer Pack
Research other features in the solar system besides the sun and the planets with an Objects in Space Graphic Organizer.
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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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Mindfulness Planet Coloring Pages
Get mindful with this set of planet-themed mindful coloring sheets.
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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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Objects in the Sky – Worksheet Pack
Use this set of worksheets to practice identifying and labeling objects in the sky as well as describing the moon, stars, sun, and clouds.
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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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Inner vs. Outer Planets – Cut and Paste Worksheet
Sort inner and outer planets with this cut-and-paste science worksheet.
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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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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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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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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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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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Science Sparks - 3rd Grade Science Activity Cards
Give your students a little science boost with Science Sparks 3 – our newest set of fast finisher science activities for 3rd Grade!
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Planet Facts Fan Booklet
Practice knowledge of the planets by creating this fun fan-style activity booklet.
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Which Planet Am I? Interactive Activity
Explore the planets of the solar system with this fun and engaging interactive activity.
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Planet Bookmark
Help students remember the order of the planets with these personalized planet bookmarks.
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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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Objects in the Sky – Writing Prompts
Describe objects in the sky such as the clouds, moon, and sun with this set of 8 writing prompts.
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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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Day and Night – Worksheet
Encourage your students to illustrate the day and night cycle with this free worksheet.
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Space Word Search
Review science vocabulary terms with an engaging space word search.
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3D Astronaut Template
Create astronauts with this 3D net.
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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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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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Order of the Planets Display Banner
Display this banner visually showing the order of the planets for students when they 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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Planets Collaborative Coloring Display
Combine coloring with awareness of the planets and the solar system with this collaborative coloring sheet.
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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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Planets Flipbook
Discover each of the planets of the solar system with this engaging flip book template.
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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.