Objects in the Solar System Activities for Middle School Science

The Objects in Space Inquiry Lab aligned with TEKS guides students in analyzing the orbital distances and revolutionary periods of planets in our solar system. This resource includes four labs, one of which involves outdoor measurements, while the others provide data for analysis, allowing flexibility in lesson planning. Students will use this information to make predictions about other planets.  

The lab set includes three differentiated versions to support diverse learning needs. The Dependent Student Lab offers a blend of procedural instructions and guided inquiry, making it suitable for on-level learners. The Modified Student Lab provides the most structured experience, incorporating sentence stems and multiple-choice questions for students requiring modifications. The Independent Student Lab is highly student-centered, allowing advanced learners to make their own decisions throughout the process.  

Teacher resource pages include prep time guidance, standards, objectives, directions, materials lists, and additional resources. Answer keys, CER conclusion prompts, and reflection questions help facilitate student learning. All pages are editable.  

Materials needed per group include various lengths of yarn (1 m, 1.5 m, 5 m, 10 m) and access to a large outdoor space or gym. This hands-on experience provides an engaging way for students to explore planetary motion.

This Science Reading Comprehension Lesson helps students explore objects in space by reading a nonfiction article about the physical properties, locations, and movements of astronomical bodies. Students answer comprehension questions, research the Hubble Telescope, and create an infographic to deepen their understanding.

Designed for grades 6-8, with higher-level 5th graders in mind, the passage supports science literacy and reading comprehension. The resource includes two leveled articles (Lexile 1100-1300), five to seven comprehension questions, and a hands-on mini-project. A Cornell notes template is provided for additional support.

Perfect for sub plans, extra credit, ISS, or whole-class instruction, this resource fosters critical thinking and classroom discussions. It is compatible with virtual learning platforms like Google Classroom, MS Teams, Schoology, and Canvas, allowing students to complete assignments digitally.

The Asteroids, Meteors, and Comets Science Writing Prompt Activity engages middle school students in an interactive letter-writing exercise to test their understanding of Earth science. Aligned with TEKS, this activity reinforces concepts related to the physical properties, locations, and movements of the Sun, planets, moons, meteors, asteroids, and comets. Designed for both in-person and virtual learning, it encourages science reasoning, creativity, and writing skills.  

This resource includes teacher directions with answer guides and rubrics, projection and print handouts in full and half-sheet formats, and a digital PowerPoint version compatible with Google Slides. It serves as a versatile tool for cross-curricular activities, pre-test assessments, student choice projects, early finisher tasks, extra credit, make-up work, TELPAS samples, and differentiation exercises. Students’ responses can be displayed on a bulletin board or compiled into an anthology, making this a valuable addition to any science classroom.

The WIKI Tickets© Space Set provides engaging, flexible formative assessments for 6th-8th grade science. This set includes 14 topics, each available in five formats: a full-screen display for projection, three printable handouts (full, split, and quarter-page), and an interactive digital version compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides. 

Aligned with NGSS and TEKS standards, these assessments cover key space science concepts, including the lunar cycle, H-R diagram, solar system gravity, space exploration, and the electromagnetic spectrum. A bonus table of contents file outlines standard alignment. 

Designed for both in-person and virtual learning, WIKI Tickets© can be used as exit tickets, bellringers, or quick checks. Students can respond on their own paper, printed handouts, or digitally in a 1:1 or remote setting. These colorful, engaging assessments help you quickly gauge student understanding in any learning environment.

Lesson Extensions provide student-choice activities that engage early finishers with critical thinking and creativity while reinforcing space science concepts. These activities help scaffold learning, prevent distractions, and serve as meaningful lesson wrap-ups.

Each extension includes four interactive components: Puzzler for problem-solving, Maker Space for hands-on STEAM activities, Tech Connection for digital demonstrations, and Word Master for creative writing. With teacher directions, answer keys, and both print and projection versions, these extensions provide rigorous yet enjoyable learning opportunities.

Covering topics such as the components of the universe, gravity, the lunar cycle, space travel, and the Sun, moon, and tides, these extensions align with NGSS and TEKS science standards, ensuring students can explore space science in depth.

This Amazing Anchors Phenomenon Lesson engages students in learning about the movement and position of objects in space through the real-world example of meteor showers. It includes an introductory reading with comprehension and extension questions to prepare students for further learning, followed by an explanatory reading that simplifies the science behind meteor showers and object movement in space, reinforcing understanding with additional questions.  

Aligned with TEKS, this no-prep resource includes teacher directions, answer keys, projection slides, and both print and digital formats for Google Classroom and other LMS platforms. A modified version provides sentence starters for student support. Designed to bookend a lesson, these engaging readings serve as valuable supplements in any in-person or virtual classroom.