Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Physics
Lesson Topic: The Solar System – Sun, eight planets in order, dwarf/minor planets, moons and smaller bodies
Learning Objective/s:
  • Identify the Sun as the central star of the Solar System.
  • List the eight planets in order from the Sun and describe a key characteristic of each.
  • Explain the distinction between minor planets, dwarf planets and asteroids.
  • Describe the role and variety of natural satellites (moons) around the planets.
  • Summarise the hierarchical structure of the Solar System including smaller bodies.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Solar System diagram handout
  • Planet fact cards
  • Worksheet for ordering planets
  • Model of the Solar System (optional)
 Introduction:
Begin with a striking image of the night sky and ask students what bodies they can see. Recall prior learning about gravity and why objects orbit a central mass. Explain that today they will be able to name and order all major components of our Solar System and describe their key features.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5') – Quick quiz on previous lesson about gravity.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10') – Overview of the Sun and its dominance.
  3. Interactive planet ordering activity (12') – Students place planet cards in correct order and share a key fact.
  4. Dwarf planets & asteroids discussion (8') – Use diagram to highlight minor bodies.
  5. Moon gallery walk (10') – Groups examine moon fact cards and note differences.
  6. Formative check (5') – Exit ticket: write the correct sequence of the eight planets.
Total ≈ 50 minutes.
Conclusion:
Recap the five layers of the Solar System hierarchy and confirm the planet order with a class chant. Collect exit tickets as a retrieval check and assign a homework task to create a labelled sketch of the Solar System.