If Earth is modeled by a grapefruit, what planet could be represented by a golf ball? This activity uses everyday and not-so-everyday objects to create a model of the Solar System.

Concepts

scale models, the solar system

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

math

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Creating a model of the Solar System is a fairly typical Earth Science lab; consider using this activity as a cross-curricular project in conjunction with science teachers

Classroom Considerations

• Calculators should be available
• Some diameters must be found through research, such as for the Times Square New Year's Eve Ball; Internet access would be beneficial

Pros

• Multiple models are posited, taking into consideration both size and distance from the Sun
• More than one solution is possible, depending on scale

Cons

• The answer key gives possible scale models, but it does not provide possible solutions for all questions on the student worksheet

 

Common Core

HSN-Q.A.3 HSF-LE.A.1.a