The Solar System: Know It All
illustrations by
What’s inside...
An enlightening journey through the solar system, exploring each planet, its features, and the latest scientific discoveries. This comprehensive guide includes need-to-know facts, infographics, photos, quiz questions, a glossary, an activity, and an index. It is tailored for students in grades 2-5 and provides a deep dive into various aspects of the solar system, encouraging learning and engagement with the topic. From shooting stars to footprints on the moon, there is plenty to discover in outer space. Our planet is part of a huge solar system. It is time to explore our solar system and find out whether there could be life on other planets! The Solar System is part of Decodables by Jump!, a comprehensive library of decodable leveled readers that follow a sequenced approach to phonics instruction. Young readers will enjoy colorful, photo-packed nonfiction as they follow a prescribed format supported by the science of readers that encourages reading development.
Age
7-9
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What is your favorite planet in the solar system and why?
How do you think living on another planet would be different from living on Earth?
If you could create your own planet, what would it be like?
Can you explain why the Earth orbits the sun?
What would you pack for a trip to space?
Tip: Role play these questions
Show genuine curiosity in their answers and encourage them to elaborate on their thoughts.
Relate the discussion back to images or facts from the book to reinforce learning.
Encourage them to ask questions of their own about the solar system, fostering a two-way conversation.
Use comparisons to everyday life to help them understand complex ideas, like comparing the size of planets to fruits or objects around the house.
Praise their creativity and insights to build confidence in expressing their ideas.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the vastness of space
Explanation: The book explores the extensive scale of our solar system, giving children a sense of how big the universe is beyond our earth.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children grasp the concept of scale and size in their everyday surroundings, encouraging curiosity and exploration.
Example Lesson: Learning about planetary characteristics
Explanation: Each planet is discussed in detail, from their atmospheres to their moons, providing a comprehensive understanding of their unique features.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect diversity as they see how each planet is different, much like the varied cultures and people they meet.
Example Lesson: Importance of scientific inquiry
Explanation: The book encourages questioning and learning about space through observation and technology, exemplifying how scientists study planets and stars.
Real-World Application: This lesson instills a scientific mindset, urging children to ask questions and seek answers about the natural world.
Example Lesson: Environmental awareness
Explanation: By examining conditions on other planets, it highlights the unique, life-supporting properties of Earth, emphasizing the need to protect our planet.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in environmentally friendly practices and understanding the importance of sustaining Earth’s resources.