Download Schoolyard Solar System

Name ______________________________________ Class ____________________ Date ______________________
QUICK LAB
Schoolyard Solar System
In this lab, you will use ratios to build a scale model of the solar system.
 Model the
positions of
objects in the
solar system.
MATERIALS
PROCEDURE
The table below shows the distances of the planets from the sun.
Distances are measured in astronomical units (AU). One AU is the
average distance from the sun's center to the Earth's center—
92,955,807 miles.
Astronomical Body
OBJECTIVE
Distance from
Sun (AU)
Sun
0.0
Mercury
0.39
Venus
0.72
Earth
1
Mars
1.52
Jupiter
5.20
Saturn
9.54
Uranus
19.18
Neptune
30.06
Choose a size for your model. Make sure the size of your model fits
in your available work space. What size will your model be?
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For each group
 calculator
(optional)
 index cards (8)
 measuring tape
(100 ft)
 tape
 wooden stakes (if
the activity is
conducted
outside)
SC.8.E.5.3
Distinguish the hierarchical
relationships between
planets and other
astronomical bodies relative
to solar system, galaxy, and
universe, including
distance, size, and
composition.
SC.8.N.3.1
Select models useful in
relating the results of their
own investigations.
Name ______________________________________ Class ____________________ Date ______________________
Quick Lab continued
To determine the scale of your model, divide the size of your model by the
distance between the sun and Neptune. This is the factor by which the distances
in your model will be changed. Show your calculations below. Make sure to
designate the units of your scale.
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To find the scaled distances in your model, multiply the distance between each
planet and the sun by the scale of your model (the number you calculated in
Step 3). Record your scaled distances in the table below.
Astronomical Body
Sun
Mercury
Venus
Earth
Mars
Jupiter
Saturn
Uranus
Neptune
Scaled Distance from Sun
0
Name _____________________________________ Class ____________________Date _______________________
Quick Lab continued
Label the index cards with the names of the astronomical bodies and their
scaled distances from the sun. Attach each card to a wooden stake using
tape.
Place a wooden stake representing the sun in the center of the site you have
chosen for your model. Use the measuring tape to place the model of each
of the astronomical bodies at the correct relative distance from the sun.
Compare the relative distances of the astronomical bodies in your model.
What do you notice about the distances between planets, and between
planets and the sun?
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Most drawings and other models of the solar system—for example, those in
textbooks—are not drawn to scale. Give one possible reason for this.
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