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In this project, you will create your own scale model of the solar system by learning how to calculate scale distances, the relative sizes of planets, or both. Then, use beads and string, sidewalk chalk, or your own creative choice of materials to build a model you can explore – or maybe even wear!
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1. Learn about lunar eclipses. Solar and lunar eclipses can...
- Code a Mars Sample Collection Video Game
To determine how well players are doing while playing your...
- Solar System
In this strategy card game, you'll build spacecraft that can...
- When Do Lunar Eclipses Happen
Making and exploring a more accurate scale model Solar System (or at least part of one) can help students and the public better understand the vastness of space and the challenges of space exploration. These are classic activities/displays for use by all: in classrooms, planetariums, museums, libraries, etc.
Click on the "Calculate" button. Notice that the distances and sizes of the planets will automatically fill in. I've also provided some other interesting scale comparisons at the bottom of the chart. You can now build your scale model.
Using scale models helps us to visualise this. In this project we'll show you how to make a model of the Solar System that shows the distances between the planets to scale. It makes for a fun science and astronomy project for kids, both at home and in school.
In this activity, students use scale, proportion and/or ratios to develop a scale solar system calculator. Using spreadsheet software, students will determine the size of and/or distances between planets on a solar system model that fits on a playground.
Although we could print the planet sizes to scale, the paper would need to be way too large to show the scaled distances. Instead, to help you understand the sizes and distances of our solar system, we’ve created a scale model. Our Solar System, real imagery but not to scale.
The Colorado Scale Model Solar System depicts the Sun, the planets, and the distances between them all on the same scale of 1 to 10 billion. That is, the real objects and distances are 10 billion times larger than the objects and distances in the model. On this scale, Sun is about the size of a large grapefruit, while Earth is the size of the ...