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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Design a Planet Project
Explore the different planets during this design your own planet project for kids.
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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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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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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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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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Sun Facts Writing Template
Research, write, and display information about the sun with this printable sun template.
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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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Solar System Mobile – Craft Activity
Use this printable solar system craft when learning about the planets and their position in relation to the Sun.
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Mindfulness Planet Coloring Pages
Get mindful with this set of planet-themed mindful coloring sheets.
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Planet Bookmark
Help students remember the order of the planets with these personalized planet bookmarks.
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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 Observation Project
Use observations of the sun to describe patterns that can be predicted with this journal project.
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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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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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All About Stars – Mini-Book
Learn about the stars in the night sky with this printable mini-book designed for kindergarten and first-grade students.
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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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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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Planet Mini-Book Collection
Read and learn about the planets of our solar system with this collection of 8 mini-books.
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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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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 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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Moon Facts Writing Template
Describe and illustrate information about the moon with a printable writing template.
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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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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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Objects in the Sky – Sorting Activity
Determine if statements about different objects in the sky are true or false with this sorting activity.
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Objects in the Sky – Vocabulary Cards and Writing Templates
Create a vocabulary and writing center with a word wall and writing templates that cover objects in the sky.
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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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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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Day and Night Worksheets
Use this set of printable worksheets to encourage students to think about the differences between night and day.
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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.