This 3rd grade solar system check fits on one page, with the answer key on page 2. Students write the eight planets in order from the sun, circle the four inner planets in a row of eight names, and answer four multiple-choice questions about the center of the solar system, the planet we live on, the largest planet and what planets do around the sun. A last short answer asks what Pluto is called today.
“Put the eight planets in order from the sun.”
Item 1 gives eight numbered boxes.
“Name the four inner planets.”
Item 2 mixes Earth, Mars, Mercury and Venus with the four outer planets.
“Recall basic facts about the sun, Earth, Jupiter and orbits.”
Items 3 to 6 are multiple choice, and item 7 asks what Pluto is called today.
Eight numbered boxes to fill with the planets from closest to the sun to farthest away.
A row with Earth, Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus and Venus in alphabetical order. Students circle the four inner planets.
Four questions with three options each, on the sun, Earth, Jupiter and orbit, then one line to say what Pluto is called today.
The order of the planets, the four inner planets, the letter for each multiple-choice question and the word dwarf planet.
End of unit check
Give it at the end of the solar system unit with no word bank help. Items 1 and 2 show quickly who still mixes up the order of the planets.
Mark it together
Read the answers aloud and have students check their own. It takes five minutes and the class sees which questions caught people out.
Pluto talk
Item 7 often starts questions. A short chat about why Pluto is now a dwarf planet gives a good reason to keep the page for later.
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