My favorite thing about teaching science is how naturally engaging the material is. I mean, who doesn’t want to learn about planets and space?!
When this unit rolls around each year, I already have my planet and space centers ready to go. I have found that the best way to let students truly explore their curiosity in science is to give them freedom to work.
Why should you use centers to teach about planets and space?
Teaching space and planets through centers is the most engaging way to learn the material. When students work in centers or stations, they are able to go through the material on their own timeline or pace. This also keeps you from punishing students who naturally work a little slower, or are deeply interested in the material and want to take their time.
Using centers also gives you a substantial benefit – you can pull students to work with more closely. This might be a one-on-one chat with a student over a station they are struggling with, or it could be a strategically planned small group to work with struggling or high level students. This tends to yield more retention of material and higher test scores.
Planet and Space Center Ideas
If you are like me, then you may have had the struggle of keeping students focused on the center material. Below, I have compiled a list of my go-to space and planet activities that keep students engaged and are beneficial to their learning.
Center #1: Planets and Space 3D Cube
This is probably my favorite center activity, and it makes for some awesome classroom decor afterwards. In the center, students will create a 3D cube with all the key information they need to know about planets and space.
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The cube includes diagrams and pictures that students label and add notes to. This crafty center activity will keep your students occupied, while also providing a great review of the unit material. Grab the planets and space 3D cube here!
Center #2: Digital Stations
Going digital might seem a bit worn out these days, but digital activities can provide something paper often can’t. With digital activities, we can include clear images and diagrams, along with interactive activities.
I have a Google Slide and Boom Card deck that dive deep into the material. They cover planet identification, planet facts, core identification, galaxies, comets, and more. You can get the Boom Card Deck here and the Google Slide Deck here.
Center #3: Planet Focused Centers
My students are always begging me for information about the planets each year, and I don’t blame them. It’s fascinating stuff!
One way I help my students learn more about the planets is through reading passages. In this planet center, students read an article detailing a specific planet and then answer comprehension questions to show their understanding. I put the passages and questions into a Google Form, so you (and your students) will get instant feedback. Get the planet Google Form center here.
I also created Google Slides that engage students in several planet related activities. In these Google Slides decks, students completing different leveled activities (so they can engage in lower and higher level thinking). This includes activities such as illustrate it, writing response, watch and respond, organize facts, and more. You can get the Google Slides planet centers here!
Want to learn more about some awesome books that I use during the space unit? Check this blog post out here!
