Pocket Solar System: Make a Scale Model
Source Institutions
-
Astronomical Society of the Pacific
Add to listGo to activity
This fun and simple hands-on astronomy activity lets learners build a scale model of the universe with little more than adding machine tape. Learners are often surprised to find how empty the outer solar system is (there is a reason they call it space!) and how close, relatively speaking, the orbits of the planets of the inner solar system are. The pdf contains step-by-step instructions, photos, presentation tips, common misconceptions about our solar system, and links to background information.
- Under 5 minutes
- 45 to 60 minutes
- 1 cent - $1 per student
- Ages 6 - adult
- Activity, Demonstration, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Model
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per student)
- Paper tape at least 2 inches wide (like from a cash register or adding machine); each student needs a piece about their own height
- pencils (one per student)
- Scissors (optional; you could just tear the tape)
Subjects
- Earth and Space Science
- Astronomy
- Stars and Galaxies
- Size and Scale
- Astronomy
- Mathematics
- Measurement
- Units of Measurement
- Size and Scale
- Measurement
Informal Categories
- Model Building
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
Learning styles supported:
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Rights:
- All Rights Reserved, Astronomical Society of the Pacific, ©2008
