Planets in the Solar System sequence and fold activity

These fun cut-and-paste foldouts are a memorable way of teaching or reviewing the planets in our solar system and their order. Use this hands-on alternative to a worksheet as a science center, in an interactive notebook or, to support learning about space, including World Space Week.

Resource benefits

• Hands-on and easy to prep.
• Fun alternative to a worksheet.
• Develop fine motor skills (cutting and folding).
• Suitable for interactive notebooks.
• Differentiated template options.
• US and UK versions included.

The templates

There are 4 similar options to choose from:

• Option 1: Students color the template with the planets* in order (from nearest to the sun to furthest away) and the 2 halves of the space scene. They cut out the template and space scene, glue the space scene to the top and bottom of the template, and fold.
• Option 2: Students match the names to the planets on the template. They then color the planets and space scene, cut out, glue together, and fold.
• Option 3: Students color the planets and space scene. They cut out the planet labels and sequence them on the template before cutting, assembling, and folding.
• Option 4: Students color the planets and space scene. They match facts to each of the planets before cutting, gluing, and folding the template.

Please note, the planets are not drawn to scale.

What else is included?

• A short written introduction to the solar system with accompanying diagram.
• A page detailing the colors of each planet (or you could ask students to research them before coloring).
• Planet research worksheet. Extend the activity by having students research a planet and complete a simple research sheet.

Is this resource editable?

No, this PDF resource is not editable.