Science Space Systems & Earth's Historyusually ages 11–12

The solar system (age 11+)

Describe the detailed structure of the solar system, including moons, asteroids, and comets, compare orbital periods and distances of the planets, and distinguish between planets, dwarf planets, and other bodies

How to tell they’ve got it

Tick these off as you see them — no test required.

Names the eight planets in order and gives one distinguishing fact about each
Describes the difference between a planet, a dwarf planet, an asteroid, and a comet
Explains the relationship between distance from the Sun and orbital period (planets further out take longer)

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If your child was making a model of the solar system, could they describe the difference between a planet, a moon, an asteroid, and a comet — and explain why planets closest to the Sun take less time to complete an orbit?

Where this sits on the map

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Builds on

Naming the Planetsages 5–8Describing the detailed solar system structure including moons, asteroids, and comets requires all this vocabulary

The solar systemages 9–10Detailed solar system structure (moons, asteroids, comets, orbital periods) extends KS2 overview of planets orbiting the Sun

The solar system (age 11+)this skill · ages 11–12

Unlocks

Universal Gravitationages 12–13Explaining orbital motion as gravity-driven centripetal force requires knowing what is in orbit (planets, moons) from the solar system topic

Finding Exoplanetsages 11–13Exoplanet detection depends on understanding the detailed structure of the solar system

Why We Have Seasonsages 11–12Knowing the solar system's structure and Earth's orbital path provides context for understanding axial tilt and seasons

solid = must come firstdashed = helps

Curriculum alignment

Candidate matches to official curriculum codes — machine-suggested, unreviewed (v0.1).

Show candidate curriculum codes · 1 ACARA · 1 VIC

Australian Curriculum v9 candidate

AC9S6U02low confidenceYear 6 · Science understanding

describe the movement of Earth and other planets relative to the sun and model how Earth’s tilt, rotation on its axis and revolution around the sun relate to cyclic observable phenomena, including variable day and night length

Victorian Curriculum 2.0 codes & levels only

VC2S6U07low confidenceScience · Levels 5 and 6 · Science Understanding strand

These are candidate alignments generated by semantic matching — machine-suggested and unreviewed (v0.1), not official or verified mappings. For official curriculum content see australiancurriculum.edu.au, curriculum.nsw.edu.au and f10.vcaa.vic.edu.au. Don’t rely on them for registration or compliance purposes.

Nearby on the map

Phases of the Moonages 11–12 Why We Have Seasonsages 11–12 Galaxies and the universeages 12–13 Shadowsages 10–11

All Space Systems & Earth's History skills →