Center of the Solar System

This reading comprehension worksheet supports students in Grades 4, 5, and 6 as they learn about the Sun’s central role in our Solar System. Through an informational passage, students explore the Sun’s composition, how it produces energy through nuclear fusion, and how its powerful gravity keeps planets in orbit. Follow-up comprehension questions strengthen scientific literacy, reading skills, and critical thinking as learners connect solar processes to observable effects like planetary motion and life on Earth.

Learning Goals

• Sun Science Understanding (Grades 4-6) – Explain the Sun’s structure, energy production, and role in the Solar System
• Gravitational Influence – Describe how the Sun’s gravity affects planetary orbits
• Reading Comprehension – Identify key ideas and details in an informational science text
• Scientific Reasoning – Connect internal solar processes to external effects on planets and life

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource – Designed by educators to align with Earth and space science and ELA standards
• Integrated Science & Literacy – Builds content knowledge through authentic nonfiction reading
• Text-Dependent Questions – Encourages evidence-based responses and deeper understanding
• Flexible Use – Ideal for science units, guided reading, assessments, or homeschool instruction

This Sun-focused reading worksheet helps students strengthen comprehension and scientific understanding while exploring how the Sun shapes our Solar System. By learning how solar energy and gravity work together, learners gain insight into why the Sun is essential for planetary motion and life on Earth. It’s a no-prep resource for both classroom and homeschool settings that supports science literacy, curiosity, and critical thinking.

This worksheet is part of our The Solar System collection.