Astronomy & Space Science: Earth’s Motion, Moon, Planets & Stars Unit | MS Earth Science

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This unit is included in the Earth Science Curriculum 5E Model.

Teach Earth’s motion, the phases of the Moon, the solar system, planets, stars, galaxies, and space exploration with this comprehensive Astronomy & Space Science Unit designed for middle school.

This complete unit includes full lessons, notes, interactive notebook pages, hands-on labs, quizzes, stations, word walls, task cards, QR codes, and assessments—everything you need for a zero-prep, high-engagement astronomy unit.

Perfect for grades 6–8, this resource helps students investigate Earth–Moon–Sun relationships, planetary characteristics, star life cycles, galaxies, telescopes, and human exploration of space.

Aligned to NGSS Middle School Earth & Space Science (MS-ESS1) for Earth’s motion, Moon phases, solar system modeling, and the scale of the universe.

⭐ What’s Included

• PowerPoints for:
  • Earth’s Motion
  • The Moon: Earth’s Satellite
  • Solar System
  • The Planets
  • Stars & Galaxies
  • Space Exploration
• Student Notes (print + digital)
• Interactive Notebook Activities
• Mini-Quizzes + Digital Assessments
• Teacher Demo: Orbits of Inner Planets
• Guided Inquiry Lab: Space Suit Challenge
• Science Stations (STEM Challenge Included)
• Task Cards (print + digital)
• Study Guide
• Final Chapter Assessment
• Word Wall in English & Spanish
• QR Codes for students to access a free online textbook
• 12-day pacing guide
• Answer keys included for all components

⭐ Key Concepts Covered

• Rotation vs revolution
• Seasons, daylight, shadows & Earth’s tilt
• Moon phases, eclipses & tides
• Inner vs outer planets
• Solar system structure
• Asteroids, meteors & comets
• Stars, constellations & galaxies
• Star life cycle & HR diagram basics
• The scale of the universe
• Space probes, telescopes & human exploration
• Modeling Earth–Moon–Sun interactions

⭐ Why Teachers Love This Unit

• Covers ALL major astronomy topics in one cohesive sequence
• High-quality visuals make abstract concepts easy to understand
• Hands-on labs like the Space Suit Challenge boost engagement
• Word Wall in English & Spanish supports diverse learners
• QR codes allow easy access to online reference text
• Every step from engage → assess is included with zero prep
• Perfectly structured for middle school Earth & Space Science

⭐ Ideal For

• Middle School Earth & Space Science
• Astronomy units
• Moon phases & Earth’s motion
• Planets and solar system instruction
• Stars, galaxies & universe exploration
• NGSS MS-ESS1 alignment
• Interactive notebook + station-based classrooms

⭐ Suggested Pacing Guide – Astronomy & Space Science (12 Days)

Day 1: Teacher Demo – Orbits of Inner Planets; Section 1 PowerPoint/Notes/INB
Day 2: Section 1 Mini-Quiz; Section 2 PowerPoint/Notes/INB
Day 3: Section 2 Mini-Quiz; Guided Inquiry Lab – Space Suit Challenge
Day 4: Section 3 PowerPoint/Notes/INB
Day 5: Section 3 Mini-Quiz; Section 4 PowerPoint/Notes/INB
Day 6: Section 4 Mini-Quiz; Section 5 PowerPoint/Notes/INB
Day 7: Section 5 Mini-Quiz; Section 6 PowerPoint/Notes/INB
Day 8: Section 6 Mini-Quiz; Science Stations
Day 9: Science Stations
Day 10: Creation Station Final Draft + Testing
Day 11: Task Cards + Study Guide
Day 12: Chapter Assessment

Copyright © NGS Magnified, LLC. All rights reserved by author Dr. Erica Colón.  All NGS Magnified curriculum is creative property of Erica Colón and cannot be resold or distributed.  This product is to be used by the original downloader only. Copying for more than one teacher, classroom, department, school, or school system is prohibited. This product may not be distributed or displayed digitally for public view. Failure to comply is a copyright infringement and a violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Clipart and elements found in this PDF are copyrighted and cannot be extracted and used outside of this file without permission or license. Intended for classroom and personal use ONLY.