Make a Model of the Solar System
Grade Range
6th-8th
Group Size
4 students
Active Time
70 minutes
Total Time
70 minutes
Area of Science
Astronomy
Space Exploration
Key Concepts
Solar system
Learning Objectives
- Calculate the size of a model planet and its distance to the Sun when the actual measurements of the planet and the scale factor is given.
- Calculate the scale factor when the actual measurements of the solar system and the model are given.
- Learn facts about the solar system, such as the number of planets in the solar system, the small size of the planets compared to the size of the solar system, that all planets of the solar system orbit the Sun, etc.
Credits
Sabine De Brabandere, PhD, Science Buddies
![]() OverviewThis hands-on science lesson will help your students get a more accurate view of the solar system by making a scale model. They will do the calculations, make model planets, and find out where to place them so their model reflects reality. Seeing the relative size of the eight planets and their distance from the Sun displayed before them will allow your students to grasp the structure and vastness of the solar system.NGSS AlignmentThis lesson helps students prepare for these Next Generation Science Standards Performance Expectations:
Materials![]() For the class:
For each group of four students:
Reviews |
Grade Range
6th-8th
Group Size
4 students
Active Time
70 minutes
Total Time
70 minutes
Area of Science
Astronomy
Space Exploration
Key Concepts
Solar system
Credits
Sabine De Brabandere, PhD, Science Buddies
Learning Objectives
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