Classroom Solar System Model

A small- and whole-group exploration geared toward creating a to-scale model of the solar system that fits within the walls of a classroom. By leveraging their understanding of ratios and scale factors, learners can scale down the actual distances between planets and the diameters of those planets to a reasonable size for display from the ceiling.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

This resource contains:
–> Step-by-step instructions for accurately scaling down the diameters of the planets and distances from the Sun
–> Teacher guide for strategic implementation in the classroom, leaning on the learners to provide the mathematical reasoning for building accurate models

STORY

In an effort to create a fun, visual representation of the Solar System during my astronomy unit, I came up with this activity. Instead of just being another art project, I decided to have learners flex their mathematical reasoning muscles to discover scale factors.

IMPLEMENTATION

This resource consists mainly of an activity which, through the teacher’s guidance, can facilitate great conversation about the connections between proportional reasoning and a scale model of the Solar System. Using two separate scale factors, learners will create a model with scaled planet diameters and distances from the Sun. With this, you will be able to create an accurate model for drawing deeper conclusions together in class.

POSSIBLE EXTENSIONS

There is always more research or exploration that can be done about the things scientists have discovered in our Solar System.

MATERIALS/PRE-REQS

Besides this resource, you may require:
–> Computers with internet access
–> Meter or yard stick
–> Construction, butcher, or printer paper for creating planets