The solar system

Upper Primary 7 questions

What the solar system means

You learn how the Sun, planets and their paths work together in space. This helps you understand day-to-day science ideas, read simple diagrams, and answer questions about Earth's place in the solar system.

What you will practise

Identify the planet nearest to the Sun.
Match planet names to common facts.
Tell which planet is called the Red Planet.
Work out how long Earth takes to go round the Sun.

Before you start

You should already know the names of some planets and the idea that Earth is one of them. It also helps if you can read simple science words and diagrams.

Worked example

One question from this skill's own question bank, shown with its full working.

Question

Which planet is closest to the Sun?

Venus
Earth
Mercury
Mars

Answer: Mercury

Working: Mercury is the innermost planet of the solar system.

Common mistakes to avoid

Choosing Earth as the closest planet. Check the order of planets from the Sun outward.
Mixing up Mars and Mercury. Learn the special clue for each planet.
Thinking the Earth takes exactly 365 days to orbit. Remember the extra quarter day.
Confusing spinning with orbiting. Spinning is on its axis; orbiting is round the Sun.

Curriculum and exam alignment

Ghana GES Basic 4 to 6 syllabusGroundwork for the BECE

In Upper Primary, this topic usually comes in Earth and space science and supports later work on the wider world around you. It also gives useful practice for school-based assessment and the kind of reasoning needed for the BECE.

Curriculum notes are a general guide to where this work normally sits. Always check the syllabus your school or examination body is currently using.