Naming the Planets
Name the planets in our solar system in order from the Sun and use vocabulary for space — planet, star, sun, moon, satellite, orbit, solar system, galaxy, universe, asteroid, comet — applying these correctly when describing the structure of the solar system and objects we see in the sky
Lesson
Set out your lesson
“Naming the Planets means naming planets in order from the Sun and using space words like planet, orbit, and solar system. We will practise once together, then check a fresh example.”
Bring to the table
- Eight planet name cards in order from the Sun
- Word cards: planet, star, orbit, solar system
Extra for the adult
Worked example. Mercury is closest to the Sun. Earth is a planet in orbit. Our solar system is the planets around our Sun.
Optional challenge. For Naming the Planets, add Mars or Jupiter in order.
What to notice. Keep one parent note: order practised; space words; support used. This session samples planet naming, not mastery of astronomy.
Share and support
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Teaching approaches
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1 approach
Naming the Planets means naming planets in order from the Sun and using space words like planet, orbit, and solar system. We will practise once together, then check a fresh example.
Spend about 12 minutes ordering planets from the Sun, practising two space words, then checking a fresh name or word.
Family records and proof options
Keep a record of your learning
Save photos, notes, and attendance. Export a proof packet for compliance or portfolio reviews.
Practice this concept
Start practiceNaming the Planets practice
Use planet order and space vocabulary.
Free · no login · no ads · Practice answers and completion are not saved. Parent observation remains the lesson record.
Learning resources
Extra practice links — they do not replace Gakuva’s teaching approach.
NASA Space Place · Practice link — not the full lesson
Solar System
Before you open · source notes
Solar System supports Naming the Planets. An adult previews and guides; this is a learning page, not a scored quiz.
Free educational page, no sign-in required for the tested path.
Before you openAsk the learner one fact they learned and one question they still have.
Opening this link does not save learning or assess mastery.
Source, access and review notes
Public NASA Space Place page. An anonymous GET on 2026-11-12 returned HTTP 200 with no login or payment prompt for this URL. Opening the link does not save practice or assess mastery. An adult should preview and guide the learner.
NASA Space Place. “Solar System.” External page; Gakuva does not copy, host, embed, or redistribute materials.
Unknown — link only
Check understanding
- Name the eight planets in order from the Sun without prompting
- Use 'orbit' correctly to describe the movement of planets around the Sun and moons around planets
- Distinguish between a planet, a moon, a star, and an asteroid using the correct vocabulary
“Can your child name the planets in order from the Sun — and explain the difference between a star, a planet, and a moon?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Language
- Subject
- Science
- Domain
- Space Systems & Earth's History
- Age range
- Ages 5–8
Standards