What this lesson teaches
Solar system distances and sizes.
Science in Action
Can you finish solar system scale model in about 35 min?
Solar System Scale Model
You will solar system distances and sizes.
Duration35 min
Age GroupAges 10–14
DifficultyAdvanced
SubjectScience
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What you need
How the activity runs
The learning connection
Scale is the most routinely lost concept in solar system study — textbooks always show planets close together. A physical scale model, especially one that requires walking significant distances, gives students a somatic experience of astronomical distance that corrects the persistent misconception of a compact solar system.
Try it with your learner
1. Calculate scale - Sun as 1m ball. 2. Calculate distances. 3. Place objects. 4. Walk between planets.