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How to Make a Solar System Model for a Kid's Project at School

It̵7;s hard for adults, let alone children, to grasp the breadth of the solar system. Our planets are so far apart and range so greatly in size that it can be difficult to properly compare them with each other. The difference between the width of the diameter of the sun and the smallest planet, Pluto, for example may seem unimaginable until you make a scale model of the solar system. You can do this with your class on your school grounds by creating a model that has the planets arranged at a scaled down distance away from each other.

Things You'll Need

  • Poster board
  • Pencil compass
  • Crayons or markers
  • Scissors
  • Measuring tape
  • Tape
  • Camera
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Instructions

    • 1

      Locate an online solar system model calculator (Resources). Fill in the box next to the sun to set the diameter of the sun for your model. For example, you can enter ̶0;13̶1; into the box to set the diameter of the sun in your solar system model at 13 inches. Press the ̶0;calculate̶1; button and watch the calculator automatically populate the rest of the fields for you, creating a scaled down version of the solar system that is proportionate to your sun.

    • 2

      Write down the diameters of Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto on a piece of paper. Use a pencil compass to create circles equal to these measurements on a piece of poster board. Color the circles different colors, if you like.

    • 3

      Cut out the circles from the poster board with a pair of scissors.

    • 4

      Write down the distance in feet and inches from the sun to each planet. Use a measuring tape to measure the distance of one of your steps in feet. Write this figure down on the piece of paper as well.

    • 5

      Pick a spot in your classroom or on the school grounds for the sun. Count off the appropriate number of steps or strides that you must take to equal the number of feet between the sun and each planet in your scaled down solar system model. Have your class walk this distance with you. When you reach the spot where the planet should go, tape the planet to a tree, pole or stick and set the stick in the ground.

    • 6

      Continue marking off and placing planets around your school grounds. Take pictures of the planets where they are placed on the school grounds.


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