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The Planets – UKS2 Comprehension and Writing Activities Pack

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This unit of work is based on the articles ‘The Planets’ and ‘Could Humans Survive On Another Planet?’ from issue 3 of Animal Planet magazine. Pupils will discover fascinating facts about the planets and other objects within our solar system which will then be used to inspire writing and work covering the KS2 science curriculum.

During the unit the pupils will have the opportunity to learn about stars, moons and planets and will have the opportunity to sort planets using a variety of different information, such as size and distance from the sun.

A comprehension activity is included to check pupils’ understanding of the text and to encourage them to retrieve and record information from non-fiction. They will create their own cards, displaying information about each planet, using information from the article and their own research.

Using the article ‘Could Humans Survive On Another Planet?’ as inspiration, pupils will explore whether it would be possible to live on another planet and discussing what humans would need in order to live there.

Pupils will use this information to write their suggestions, using their knowledge of what humans need to survive to complete the written task.

Teachers’ notes are included for each of the activities, with suggested activities to develop the unit further.

This resource pack includes:

  • Copy of the Animal Planet article ‘The Planets’ and ‘Could Humans Survive on another Planet?’
  • Comprehension question cards (with answer sheet)
  • Planet sorting cards
  • Stars, Moons and Planets sorting activity
  • Top Planet cards template
  • Planning Sheet: Living on another planet
  • Themed writing paper

What is Animal Planet Magazine?

This pack has been created in association with Animal Planet magazine, which fuels curious minds, helps children make sense of the world and sparks joy on every page. To find out more, and register your interest in a school subscription, visit animalplanetmagazine.com/schools.

National Curriculum Programme of Study Links

Reading

  • Pupils should develop positive attitudes to reading and understanding of what they read by listening to and discussing a wide range of … non-fiction
  • Pupils should understand what they read by checking that the text makes sense to them, discussing their understanding and exploring the meaning of words in context and asking questions to improve their understanding of the text.
  • Pupils should be taught how to retrieve, record and present information from non-fiction.

Writing

  • Pupils should plan their writing by discussing and recording ideas (years 5 and 6 also by drawing on research where necessary)
  • Pupils should draft and write by organising paragraphs around a theme and in non-narrative material, using simple organisational devices

Science (Year 5)

  • Pupils should be taught to describe the movement of the Earth, and other planets, relative to the Sun in the solar system.

Non-Statutory Guidance

  • Pupils should learn that the Sun is a star at the centre of our solar system and that it has eight planets and that a moon is a celestial body that orbits a planet.

Science (Year 6)

  • Pupils should be taught to identify how animals and plants are adapted to suit their environment in different ways …


  • Copy of the Animal Planet article ‘The Planets’ and ‘Could Humans Survive on another Planet?’
  • Comprehension question cards (with answer sheet)
  • Planet sorting cards
  • Stars, Moons and Planets sorting activity
  • Top Planet cards template
  • Planning Sheet: Living on another planet
  • Themed writing paper
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