Educational worksheet for students to label the planets in our solar system using provided clues.

To solve this puzzle, we need to label the planets in our solar system based on their position from the Sun and the hints provided in the boxes. Let's go step-by-step from the center (the Sun) outwards.

Step 1: The Inner Planets (Closest to the Sun)
1. Mercury: The hint says, "Mercury is the closest to the sun and very hot." Looking at the diagram, the smallest planet right next to the Sun is Mercury.
2. Venus: The next planet out is similar in size to Earth. The hint says, "Earth and Venus are similar in size." Since Earth is the blue one we know, the yellowish/tan planet between Mercury and Earth is Venus.
3. Earth: We know Earth is the blue and green planet with clouds. It is the third planet from the Sun.
4. Mars: The hint says, "Mars is also known as the 'Red Planet.'" The small reddish planet after Earth is Mars.

*Note: The asteroid belt separates these inner planets from the outer ones.*

Step 2: The Outer Planets (Farther from the Sun)
5. Jupiter: The hint says, "Jupiter is the largest planet." In the diagram, the biggest planet with stripes is Jupiter. It is the first planet after the asteroid belt.
6. Saturn: The hint says, "Saturn is best known for its rings." The planet with the large, prominent rings is Saturn. It is the second largest planet.
7. Uranus: The hint says, "Uranus is very cold, and is also known as the 'Ice Planet.'" This is the light blue/greenish planet after Saturn.
8. Neptune: The hint says, "Neptune is very windy and is a brilliant blue planet." This is the dark blue planet farthest out in the main group.

*(Note: Pluto is already labeled in the diagram, but it is now classified as a dwarf planet, which is why the directions ask to label the 8 planets.)*

Matching the labels to the empty boxes:

* Box pointing to the yellowish planet next to the Sun: Venus
* Box pointing to the red planet: Mars
* Box pointing to the blue/green planet (Earth): Earth
* Box pointing to the largest striped planet: Jupiter
* Box pointing to the planet with rings: Saturn
* Box pointing to the light blue ice planet: Uranus
* Box pointing to the dark blue windy planet: Neptune
* Box pointing to the smallest planet closest to the Sun: Mercury

Let’s double-check the positions:
1. Closest to Sun: Mercury
2. Next: Venus
3. Next: Earth
4. Next: Mars
5. Next (after asteroids): Jupiter
6. Next: Saturn
7. Next: Uranus
8. Farthest (of the 8): Neptune

All hints match these identities.

Final Answer:
Starting from the planet closest to the Sun and moving outward, the correct labels for the blank boxes are:

1. Mercury (closest to the Sun)
2. Venus (second from the Sun, similar in size to Earth)
3. Earth (third from the Sun, blue and green)
4. Mars (fourth from the Sun, the Red Planet)
5. Jupiter (fifth from the Sun, the largest planet)
6. Saturn (sixth from the Sun, has rings)
7. Uranus (seventh from the Sun, the Ice Planet)
8. Neptune (eighth from the Sun, brilliant blue)