Solar System Template
Blank orbits and planets to label.
This blank solar system template displays eight concentric orbits around a central sun, with a small circle on each orbital path representing each planet—all without names or facts pre-printed. Students in grades 2–7 label each planet in order from the sun, add the planet's name, and can record key facts such as number of moons, surface type, or relative size in the margin boxes provided. Teachers use it during space units to move students beyond passive reading into active mapping of our solar system. The open layout is flexible enough for a quick label-and-go activity in grade 2 and detailed enough to support a comparative planets project in grade 7. Colour-coding each planet according to its surface characteristics adds a visual memory layer that makes the order of planets genuinely stick.
Learning objectives
- Name and sequence the eight planets in order from the sun
- Identify distinguishing features of each planet (size, moons, rings, surface type)
- Understand the concept of orbital paths and relative distance from the sun
- Develop spatial reasoning through diagram labelling and annotation
- Build a personal reference chart that supports further research and writing
- Connect astronomical vocabulary to a visual model of the solar system
How to use this template
- Download and print the free PDF on letter or A4 paper—one per student.
- Display a reference list of planet names or project them on the board for grades 2–3.
- Students write each planet's name beside or above its orbital circle, working outward from the sun.
- Add colour to each planet and annotate margin boxes with one key fact per planet.
- Use the completed template as a study guide or glue into a science interactive notebook.
Classroom & home ideas
- Have students arrange planet-name cards on desks in order before transferring them to the template as a kinaesthetic warm-up.
- Challenge older students to add approximate relative sizes by drawing proportionally larger or smaller circles for each planet.
- Use it as the centrepiece of a 'My Solar System' mini-book where each page covers one planet in detail.
- Create a class display: each student colours their template differently and they go up as a gallery wall.
- After labelling, pose the question 'Which two planets could fit most easily on one sheet if we used true scale?' and discuss.
Skills & curriculum links
Frequently asked questions
Does the template include Pluto?
The standard version shows the eight recognised planets. A note at the bottom acknowledges Pluto as a dwarf planet; teachers who wish to include it can ask students to add it as a bonus annotation.
Are orbital distances drawn to scale?
No—true-scale distances would make the inner planets invisible on a letter-sized page. The template uses evenly spaced orbits so all eight planets are clearly visible and labelable.
Can grade 2 students use this without support?
With a printed word bank or an alphabet-ordered planet list beside the template, grade 2 students can label independently. Without support it suits grades 4 and up.
Is there space to record planet facts, or just the names?
The template includes small margin annotation boxes next to each planet so students can jot one or two facts (e.g., 'has rings', '2 moons') alongside the label.
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