Active Time
20-30 minutes
Total Project Time
20-30 minutes
Key Concepts
The solar system, planets, scale model
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flk0PX3WJe0

Introduction

Did you know that the Voyager 2 spacecraft took 12 years to travel from Earth to Neptune, the furthest planet in the solar system? This sounds like a really long time! Maybe not that long if you consider what distance the spacecraft had to travel to get from Earth to Neptune. In this activity, you will make a model of the planets in the solar system and specifically model their distances to scale. Will it explain why the Voyager 2 took so long? Try it and see!

Credits

Sabine De Brabandere, PhD, Science Buddies
This activity is not appropriate for use as a science fair project. Good science fair projects have a stronger focus on controlling variables, taking accurate measurements, and analyzing data. To find a science fair project that is just right for you, browse our library of over 1,200 Science Fair Project Ideas or use the Topic Selection Wizard to get a personalized project recommendation.
Next: Materials

Materials

  • Yarn, if possible, in up to 8 different colors
  • Measuring tape
  • Thumbtack
  • Two pieces of cardboard, about 6 cm by 6 cm each
  • Cardstock
  • Scissors
  • Marker or pencil
  • Hole punch
    The materials needed to create a scale model of the orbital distances of the eight planets in the Solar System.
Next: Instructions

Reviews

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Active Time
20-30 minutes
Total Project Time
20-30 minutes
Key Concepts
The solar system, planets, scale model
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