Earth for Kids | Learn all about our own beautiful planet

Earth We are learning about all of the planets in our solar system. Today, we are staying grounded and studying Earth, the third planet from the Sun. Earth is the only planet we know that supports life. Its liquid water, atmosphere, ecosystems, and various living creatures set it apart in the solar system. What's in a name? Well, Earth got its name from the Old English word eartha, which means ground or soil. Pretty fitting, don't you think? Earth is the fifth largest planet in our solar system. About 70% of its surface is covered in water. The remaining 30% is covered in land, with many different types of geographic features. Fill in the blank. Earth is the only planet we know that supports life. Because of its oceans, the Earth's color from space is mostly blue. There are also green and brown areas where land is visible, and white regions that are covered by ice, like on the North and South Poles. Earth is different from other planets because it has so many colors, which are proof of the various environments and ecosystems that exist on the planet. From space, the Earth appears mostly one color because of all the water on the planet. What color is it? Blue. The surface of the Earth changes constantly. Over time, processes like erosion, earthquakes, and volcanoes shape the land, as does the weather. Mountains rise, valleys form, and coastlines are shaped, making Earth a dynamic and ever-changing place. Here is an interesting fact. Earth is the only planet in our solar system with active plate tectonics. True or false? Processes like erosion, earthquakes, and volcanoes all help shape the Earth's landscape. True. The Earth's atmosphere helps regulate temperature, ensuring the planet is a comfortable place to live. The atmosphere also contains oxygen, which animals need to breathe, and carbon dioxide, which is vital for plants and photosynthesis. Both of these gases are important parts of supporting life on Earth and ensuring it continues to thrive. What two gases are important parts of supporting life on Earth? Oxygen and carbon dioxide. Earth is shaped like an oblate spheroid, which means it is spherical in shape except the top and the bottom are slightly squished or flattened. This happens when the Earth spins on its axis and creates bulging in the middle of the planet. As the Earth spins, its rotation causes day and night. A full rotation equals one day, or in Earth's case, 24 hours. Its orbit around the Sun takes approximately 365 days, which marks one Earth year. Fill in the blank. The Earth's shape is called an blank spheroid, oblate. As you know, our planet has only one moon, and it is an essential part of life here on Earth. The moon affects the Earth's tides and helps stabilize the planet's climate. Without the moon, our planet would not be the same. It is also the brightest object in the sky at night. And, unfortunately, it is not made of cheese. What are two things that make the moon essential to life on Earth? It affects the Earth's tides and helps stabilize the planet's climate. The Earth is an irreplaceable part of our solar system and the only planet we know that supports life in all of its complexities. As you go outside and look at the world around you, remember that you are standing on one of the most miraculous planets in our solar system. Hope you had fun learning with us. Visit us at learnbright.org. For thousands of free resources and turnkey solutions for teachers and homeschoolers.