"Nature's Scale" activity

Solar System Modeling


There are nine planets and a large number of smaller objects orbiting the Sun. The Sun is far larger than any of the planets orbiting it. Well over half a million Earths could fit inside of it! This is roughly the same size difference in size as a large beach ball next to a pea!

In this activity, you will create models of either the relative size or distance from the Sun of the nine planets, and marvel at the vastness of our tiny corner of the Universe!

 

Research Assignment Spaceart.com's Sun, Planet, and Satellite Data page

Your job is to create a model of the solar system that is accurately scaled in at least one respect. We recommend distance of the planets from the Sun, size of the planets, or mass of the planets. If you are really ambitious, you could try to do two, or all three of these, but it will not be easy. For data on the planets, take a look at Spaceart.com's Sun, Planet, and Satellite Data page.

 

Journaling: What Did You Learn?

Be sure to record all of your calculations and ideas in your journal.