The Solar System
The solar system is a vast expanse of space that consists of the Sun, eight planets, and their moons, as well as numerous asteroids, comets, and other objects. The Sun is at the center of the solar system, and all the planets, including Earth, orbit around it.
The Earth's Place in the Solar System
Earth is the third planet from the Sun and is the only known planet to support life. It is located in the "Goldilocks zone" of the solar system, which means it is at just the right distance from the Sun to have conditions suitable for life to exist.
Key Features of the Earth
- Earth has a unique atmosphere that supports life and protects the planet from harmful solar radiation.
- It has a diverse range of ecosystems, including oceans, forests, deserts, and mountains.
- The Earth's rotation on its axis causes day and night, while its orbit around the Sun creates the seasons.
Study Guide
Here are some key points to remember about the Earth within the solar system:
- What is the solar system?
- Identify the position of Earth in the solar system.
- What is the significance of the "Goldilocks zone" for Earth?
- List some key features of the Earth.
- Explain how the Earth's rotation and orbit contribute to day, night, and seasons.
Understanding the Earth's place within the solar system is crucial for grasping the broader concepts of astronomy and the uniqueness of our home planet.
.◂Social Studies Worksheets and Study Guides Third Grade. The Earth within a Solar System
Study Guide
The Earth within a Solar System 
Worksheet/Answer key
The Earth within a Solar System Worksheet/Answer key
The Earth within a Solar System Worksheet/Answer key
The Earth within a Solar System
Worksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyThe resources above cover the following skills:
World History
Encounters and Exchange: Innovations, discoveries, exploration, and colonization accelerated contact, conflict, and interconnection among societies world wide, transforming and creating nations.
Discuss European global explorations (e.g., Columbus, Magellan, Henry Hudson, Vasco da Gama, Balboa).
Geography
The World in Spatial Terms: The spatial perspective and associated geographic tools are used to organize and interpret information about people, places and environments.
Recognize characteristics of human and physical features: a) physical (i.e., ocean continent, river, lake, mountain range, coast, sea, desert, gulf, bay, strait, plain, valley, volcano, peninsula); b) human (i.e., equator, Northern and Southern Hemispheres, North and South Poles, city).
Locate physical and human features using maps, illustrations, images, or globes: a) physical (i.e., seven continents, four oceans, river, lake, mountain range, coast, sea, desert, gulf, bay, strait, peninsula); b) human (i.e., equator, Northern and Southern Hemispheres, North and South Poles, city, state, country, roads, railroads).