Scale Model of Sun and Earth

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In this activity, learners explore the relative size of the Sun and Earth as well as the distance between them. Learners estimate the size of the Sun and Earth and then use scaled models to estimate the distance between them. Learners will be surprised by how big the model Sun looks at 65 feet away.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 6 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Demonstration
Language:
English, Spanish

Materials List (per group of students)

  • copies of the Sun and Earth handout sheet
  • measuring tape
  • a large room or a long hallway where you will be able to walk 65 feet in a straight line without many obstacles
  • scissors (optional)
  • 65 feet length of string (optional)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Astronomy
    • Earth Structure
    • Earth, Moon and Sun
  • Mathematics
    • Measurement
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • be mobile

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Foreign language versions of this resource:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • Public domain, NASA,