Sun and Planets Matching Game

Play this fun matching game with cards featuring images of the sun and planets.

Learning Goals:

This activity is designed to help children:

• Identify images that look alike.
• Learn that there are 8 planets and one sun.
• Know the names of each of the planets.

Materials:

• Sun and Planets Matching Game

Directions:

For 2 or more players:

1. Print out the “Sun and Planets Matching Game” handout.
2. Cut out each of the cards on Sheets 1 and 2.
3. Mix them up and place them face down on a table.
4. Turn over one card and then another. Try to match an object from Sheet 1 (dark background) with the same object from Sheet 2 (light background).
5. If you find a match, remove the two cards from the playing area and keep them near you. If there is no match, turn the cards over and another player takes a turn.
6. Keep going, with players taking turns, until all the planets have been matched.
7. The player with the most matches wins.

For 1 player:

1. Follow steps 1-3 above.
2. Turn over one card and then another. Try to match an object from Sheet 1 (dark background) with the same object from Sheet 2 (light background).
3. If you have a match, remove the cards from the playing area and keep the match near you.
4. If there is no match, turn the cards over again and try again. Keep playing until you have found all the matches.

For more information about the Solar System and the planets, watch the Space Racers^TM episode, Where Are We?