3rd Grade Planets in Order from the Sun

3rd Grade Planets in Order from the Sun Worksheet (Earth and Space, TEKS 3.9B)

Students learn the order of the planets from the Sun with a simple memory sentence, number eight mixed-up planet cards from 1 to 8, then circle which planet comes before or after another. Simple black and white doodles and big, easy to read text keep the focus on the science, not the reading. No prior knowledge is needed: the page teaches the idea first.

What's Inside

• A teach strip with the planet order and a memory sentence
• Part A: number eight planet cards from closest to farthest, with one done
• Part B: circle which planet comes before or after another
• A friendly squirrel guide that points out the key idea
• A visual answer key with answers marked in red, plus a short teacher note

How Teachers Use It

Use it as a mini lesson follow up, a quick check, or a science center. It takes 6 to 8 minutes and prints clearly in black and white. The focus skill is identifying the order of the planets in relation to the Sun, part of the grade 3 earth and space strand.

Why It Works

Each sheet teaches one idea with everyday objects kids already know. Every activity has a done for you example, and students only circle, sort, number, or write a letter or word, so they can finish on their own. Wrong choices are believable, not silly, so students have to think. Pair it with the other Earth and Space sheets to cover the Sun, Earth, and Moon, orbits, and the order of the planets.