1. Give each student a legal-sized colored file folder for their project.
2. For the cover, cut the planets and sun out of construction paper or cardstock. Glue the planets on the cover to show their position in the orbit of the sun. Write the title of the project and planet names using markers.
3. Cut 2 practice wheel fronts and 1 practice wheel center from yellow and white construction paper. Assemble the practice wheel by sandwiching the center between the fronts. Fasten with a brad and glue the top edges together. Be sure to leave the center circle free to turn.
4. Glue the practice wheel back to the top left inside of the lapbook. Complete the wheel by adding a title and writing facts in the opening.
5. Cut several flip chart shapes from red construction paper. Fold in half so make 2 sections, staple together at the top, then glue the back section to the lower left section of the lapbook. Add descriptions and photos of comets and asteroids to the flaps.
6. Cut 2 sun book covers from yellow construction paper or cardstock. Cut sun book pages from copy paper. Write about facts about the sun in the book then attach the back cover to the file folder as shown.
7. Make a magic book containing illustrations of the phases of the moon. Add descriptions of the moon phases to the “secret compartments” inside the magic book. (See magic book assembly directions online at www.accucut.com)
8. Cut and assemble the folder-slash from blue construction paper and then fasten to the lapbook as shown. Insert the magic book into the pocket formed by this shape.
9. Cut a practice slide holder from blue construction paper and a slide from yellow construction paper. Add detail to the slide with an orange marker. Assemble the slide holder using tape or glue, and then insert the slide. Write the names of the planets in the rectangle showing on the front of the slide, then turn over and write the distance that planet is from the sun in the rectangle on the back.
10. Cut 2 parallel slits in the right side of the file folder about 1 inch apart. Insert the practice slide in the slits.
