Exploring the Solar System: Pocket Solar System

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“Exploring the Solar System: Pocket Solar System” is a hands-on activity in which visitors make a scale model of the distances between objects in our solar system. They learn that there is a lot of space between planets, and that our solar neighborhood contains many other interesting features and objects. They can even imagine where they might like to send a NASA mission spacecraft in the future!

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per student
Age Range:
Ages 4 - 14
Resource Type:
Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • Roll of receipt paper
  • Scissors
  • Meter-length measure
  • Solar system stickers
  • Markers
  • Exploring the Solar System information sheet
  • Illustrated facilitator folding guide
  • Optional: example Pocket Solar System model
  • Activity and facilitator guides

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Astronomy
    • Solar System
      • The Sun
      • The Planets
      • Asteroids and Comets
  • Mathematics
    • Measurement
      • Size and Scale

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • National Informal STEM Education Network

Source Collection

  • NISE Network

Rights:

Funding Source:

  • NASA, NNX16AC67A