6-8 Planets Mobile
Decorate planets for an out-of-this-world solar system mobile.
Student Lesson
TEXAS ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
• 112.18. Science, Grade 6
(11) Earth and space. The student understands the organization of our solar
system and the relationships among the various bodies that comprise it. The
student is expected to describe the physical properties of the planets.
• 112.19. Science, Grade 7
(9) Earth and space. The student knows components of our solar system. The
student is expected to analyze the characteristics of objects in our solar
system that allow life to exist.
• 112.20. Science, Grade 8
(8) Earth and space. The student knows characteristics of the universe. The
student is expected to recognize that the Sun is many thousands of times
closer to Earth than any other star.
Main
ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY STANDARDS
• 2.C.4. ELP, T: K-12, S: 6-12
Cross-curricular second language acquisition/listening. The ELL listens to a
variety of speakers including teachers, peers, and electronic media to gain an
increasing level of comprehension of newly acquired language in all content
areas. ELLs may be at the beginning, intermediate, advanced, or advanced
high stage of English language acquisition in listening. In order for the ELL
to meet grade-level learning expectations across the foundation and
enrichment curriculum, all instruction delivered in English must be
linguistically accommodated (communicated, sequenced, and scaffolded)
commensurate with the student’s level of English language proficiency.
The student is expected to learn academic vocabulary heard during
classroom instruction and interactions.
OBJECTIVE
Main #2
• Create a solar system mobile to demonstrate the sun and planets in the solar
system.
BACKGROUND
Young students create colorful, whimsical planets, while older ones replicate actual
planetary characteristics. Discuss the unique physical properties of each planet and
the effect of the sun’s gravitational pull. Remember to reflect on the reclassification
of Pluto as a dwarf planet.
Create a simpler version of the night sky with the Clouds, Moon, Stars and Sun.
Challenge students to create stories about the night sky and share with the class.
Students may also keep a journal of the night sky, documenting nightly notes with
photographs or drawings.
Main #3
Continued
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Lake Forest, CA 92630
800.253.2238
FAX 800.253.2240
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©2013 Ellison All rights reserved.
T13-0015
6-8 Planets Mobile
MATERIALS
Ellison Machine Choices
Materials and Tools Used
Ellison Big Shot Pro Machine
AllStar SuperStar Machine
Construction Paper
Double-Sided Tape
Fishing Line
Glue
Kite Twine
Ribbon
Stickers
Thread
Yarn
Ellison Dies Used
Ellison SureCut Die - Planets #3 LG
Ellison SureCut Die - Planets #4 LG
Ellison SureCut Die - Space Shuttle #2 LG
Ellison SureCut Die - Spiral LG
Ellison AllStar Die - Clouds
Ellison AllStar Die - Moon & Star
Video
Ellison AllStar Die - Planets #1
Ellison Education Series Ellison AllStar Die - Planets #2
It’s Out Of This World
Ellison AllStar Die - Space Shuttle
Ellison AllStar Die - Spiral
Ellison AllStar Die - Stars, 4-Up
Ellison AllStar Die - Sun
Ellison AllStar Die Set - Teacher’s Must-Have Set (6 Die Set)
INSTRUCTIONS
• The teacher will die-cut the materials for student use prior to the lesson.
Figure A
Figure B
1. Die-cut the Large Spiral from poster or tag board and punch holes along the Spiral
to suspend the Planets (Figure A).
2. Cut an 8" length of ribbon, yarn or twine. Fold the ribbon in half and make a large
knot with the two ends. Pull the ribbon from the underneath, through the center
hole in the Spiral until the knot is tight against the Spiral. Use the ribbon to hang
the mobile (Figure B).
3. Die-cut multiple colors of each Planet using cardstock, construction or patterned
paper. Each die-cut on a mobile or spiral will be displayed as a mirror image. Cut
multiple layers with the faces of the paper directly on the die rubber. A second set
of each Planet will be cut with the faces of the paper away from the rubber. This will
be the front and back of each Planet. Follow these instructions to die-cut additonal
shapes for added interest to the mobile.
Figure C
4. To layer, leave one shape whole and cut highlights from other shapes. Use glue,
double-sided tape or other adhesive to layer (Figure C).
5. Tape a 12" length of thread, kite string or fishing line to the back of a decorated
Planet. Tape or glue the matching decorated Planet to the back of the first Planet,
sandwiching the thread between. The thread should extend from the top middle of
the decorated Planet (Figure D).
6. Pull the thread from the underneath through a hole in the Spiral. Place a sticker
over the thread and hole to secure it in place (See Main Photo).
Figure D
Page 2 of 2
25862 Commercentre Drive
Lake Forest, CA 92630
800.253.2238
FAX 800.253.2240
ellisoneducation.com
©2013 Ellison All rights reserved.
T13-0015