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In this activity, learners help create and then navigate an outdoor course of the traditional "planets" (including dwarf planet Pluto), which are represented by small common objects. By counting the jumps needed to reach each object, learners experience firsthand the vast scale of our solar system.
- 10 to 30 minutes
- 10 to 30 minutes
- $10 - $20 per group of students
- Ages 8 - 14
- Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Model
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- Measuring tape
- 1 softball or grapefruit
- 3 pepper flakes, each attached to a (3"x5") card
- 2 poppy seeds, each attached to a (3"x5") card
- 2 (1/2" or so) marbles, one slightly smaller than the other, each attached to a (3"x5") cards
- 2 peppercorns, each attached to a (3"x5") card
- 1 meter- or yard-stick
- 1 set of "Our Solar System" lithographs (NASA educational product number LS-2001-08-002-HQ), preferably double-sided and in color (optional)
- 1 set of learner's posters about solar system objects from the activity "Jump Start: Jupiter!" (optional)
- 12 (3') stakes to attach to the planet lithographs or posters
- Mallet or heavy object (for placing stakes in the ground)
- Tape
- A large outdoor area
- "Jump to Jupiter" journal handout
- Pencils or pens
Subjects
-
Earth and Space Science
- Astronomy
-
Solar System
- The Planets
-
Mathematics
-
Measurement
- Units of Measurement
-
Measurement
Informal Categories
- Outdoor Activity
- Physical Activity
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- read
- be mobile
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves teamwork and communication skills
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Components that are part of this resource:
- Background Information: Secrets of the Solar System Family
- Shopping List
- "My Trip to Jupiter" Journal
- Background Information: The Other Distant Giants Are Kindred Planets with Individual Quirks
- Background Information: Inner, Rocky Neighbors Are Siblings to Earth
- Background Information: Countless Small Objects Are Part of Our Solar System's Extended Family
- Jump to Jupiter: Planet Sizes and Dimensions
- Family Portrait...in Numbers (optional)
Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
- Department of Education and Public Outreach, Lunar and Planetary Institute; Juno Education and Public Outreach, NASA
Rights:
Funding Source:
- NASA