Dramatize the stars and planets as they become a visual representation of the solar system in this activity. Young astronomers track and simulate various constellations as they orbit the Earth to learn the position and motion of objects by lining up to form a large circle around their classmates who are acting as planets.

Concepts

the night sky, astrology, constellations, the zodiac

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Plan a field trip to the local planetarium
• Assign learners their Zodiac sign to add a personalized experience to the activity
• Have students draw the solar system on construction paper and use water colors or pastels to color

Classroom Considerations

• Pictures of the planets are needed for the first activity

Pros

• Shines some light on the most commonly ignored constellation Ophiuchus
• Includes a fun extension activity

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.3.1.a SL.3.3 SL.4.1.a SL.4.3 SL.5.1.a SL.5.3