Space foldable sequencing activities phases of the moon and planets in the solar system KS2

These fun foldouts are a memorable way of teaching the planets in our solar system and the phases of the moon. Use as a science centre, for an interactive notebook or to support learning/lessons around space, including World Space Week.

Sequencing the planets
There are 4 similar template options to choose from:

• Option 1: Students colour the template with the planets* in order (from nearest to the sun to furthest away) and the 2 halves of the space scene. They cut out the template and space scene, glue the space scene to the top and bottom of the template, and fold.

• Option 2: Students match the names to the planets on the template. They then colour the planets and space scene, cut out, glue together, and fold.

• Option 3: Students colour the planets and space scene. They cut out the planet labels and sequence them on the template before cutting, assembling, and folding.

• Option 4: Students colour the planets and space scene. They match facts to each of the planets before cutting, gluing, and folding the template.

*Planets are not drawn to scale. This could be an interesting discussion point (Jupiter is nearly 30 times the size of Mercury so would take up too much of the page!)

Phases of the moon

The templates
There are 5 similar templates to choose from:

• Template 1: Colour the Moon and the Moon’s phases, cut, glue, and fold.
• Template 2: Colour the Moon and the Moon’s phases, match the word labels to the pictures, glue, cut, and fold.
• Template 3: Colour the Moon and the Moon’s phases, sequence the phases on the template, glue, cut, and fold.
• Template 4: Colour the Moon and phases of the moon, identify the Moon’s phases, write the name of each one on the lines, cut, glue, and fold.
• Template 5: Print in colour. Colour the Moon, identify the Moon’s phases, write the name of each one on the lines, cut, glue, and fold.

Templates 1, 2, 3, and 4 are all included with 2 options - one with the letter ‘b’ on the phases of the Moon to show pupils which part to colour black, and one without.