Download PLANETS

CANDY PLANETS
Creating a Candy Solar System
1) Discuss what models are and how they are used in
science/engineering. (a model is a smaller version of an object that is
created to help scientists study that object. They are often used when the
object itself is too difficult to study or when is too expensive to create a full
scale version. Models can be used to test ideas and visualize how
something works)
2) Give each student a plate and a bag containing the candy, wax
paper and plastic knife. Tell students that they are not allowed to put any
part of the activity in their mouth (unless the teacher gives permission at
the very end of the activity).
3) Designate a student to distribute a teaspoon of cake frosting to each
participant. The frosting is placed on the waxed paper.
4) Using the knife, put some frosting "glue" on one side of the butterscotch
candy, representing the Sun. Place this candy at the center of the plate.
5) Using the same method, have students affix each of the eight planets
to its appropriate orbit. Instruct students at each step, and tell them a
little bit about each planet as they glue it into place. For example, note
that Mars is red, Jupiter is the biggest planet, Neptune is blue, etc.
6) Ask students: Which planet do you think would take the longest to go
around the sun? Which planet do you think is the warmest? Discuss how
the model can make it easier to answer these questions, and brainstorm
more ways that the model can teach you about the solar system.
Note that Jupiter is the planet with a big Red Spot. Show the students a
picture of Jupiter with the spot. Glue the red-hot candy on top of Jupiter
(mint) to represent the Red Spot.
Note that Saturn is known for its brilliant rings. Have students pass the tube
of orange icing around the room; each student can "paint" Saturn's rings
onto the candy (yellow lemon-drop) using the orange tube of icing. You
might also want to point out that Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune also have
rings. Show them pictures of the ringed planets.
Now that the Incredible Edible Solar System is complete, the student
should take it home. At dinnertime, the student should show it to the
family, explain what each candy represents. The family then may EAT the
Solar System for dessert!
Planets and Their Colored Candies
SUN – Butterscotch
MERCURY – Orange Skittle
VENUS – Purple Skittle
EARTH – Blue Skittle
MARS – Red Skittle
JUPITER – Mint with Cinnamon Dot on top
SATURN – Lemon Drop or Yellow Skittle with Orange Icing for rings
URANUS – Green Skittle
NEPTUNE – Mini Marshmallow
PLUTO – The teacher has requested that we not do Pluto. Poor guy.
*The candies are subject to change, even from bag to bag! Look through
your kit before the activity and use your best guess for which candy goes
with which planet 