What this lesson teaches
This activity helps students understand the structure and scale of the Solar System through creative modeling.
Science in Action
Can you finish solar system model in about 40 min?
Solar System Model
You will understand the structure and scale of the Solar System through creative modeling.
Duration40 min
Age GroupAges 11–13
DifficultyIntermediate
SubjectScience
See how this hands-on lesson works
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What you need
- Different-sized balls (like marbles or tennis balls)
- Cardboard for the base
- Colors or paints for decoration
- Markers for labeling
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How the activity runs
- Gather materials like balls, cardboard, and paints.
- Decide the scale for each planet and the Sun.
- Paint each ball to represent a planet or the Sun.
The learning connection
Hands-on activities engage students, making learning memorable. Creating a model reinforces concepts visually and kinesthetically.
Try it with your learner
1. Inflate the large balloon to represent the Sun. 2. Use smaller balls or marbles for planets, painting them to match their colors. 3. Cut cardboard into circles to label each planet. 4. Attach strings to the planets, then hang them around the balloon. 5. Arrange the planets in order from the Sun. 6. What did you notice about the sizes and distances of the planets?