Solar System Model Project
For the past two weeks, we have been learning about Earth & Space. In order to show what you
have learned, I would like for you to create your own solar system model to display at school. There
are no limits to the project; you can use anything you like!
Part 1
I encourage you to be creative and show what you have learned. There are some basic rules for your
project:
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Part 2
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You must have the Sun and all 8 planets!
You must include the asteroid belt
The Sun needs to be the biggest object. Try to keep the planets in proportion. In other
words, Earth should not be larger than Jupiter.
All objects in the solar system must be labeled correctly.
You must include Earth’s moon – Luna, all others are optional. Remember the outer planets
have many.
You may use anything you like to do the project except. A coat hanger, a box, dowel rods,
Styrofoam balls, food, etc. are examples of some items that you may use.
There is a presentation aspect to this project. Aside from creating a model of our solar system you
will also Compare and Contrast one inner planet with one outer planet and present that information
to the class. A PowerPoint is not necessary, index cards and a visual representation (your model
from part 1) would be enough. Below are the expectations for the presentation:
 Choose one inner planet and one outer planet
 Compare the properties of the inner and outer planet
o Tell me what makes them similar
 Contrast the properties of the inner and outer planet
o Tell me what makes them different
A rubric is attached to help you know what project will deserve an “A”. If you lose the rubric,
ask for a new one. Do your best on your model, because you never know who will see it!
THIS PROJECT IS DUE OCTOBER 17TH!
Solar System Project Rubric
Oral
Presentation
Planets
Labels
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
5 points
4 points
3 points
2 points
Student is able to
accurately
compare/
contrast one
inner and one
outer planet from
their solar
system`.
Student made 12 mistakes when
comparing/
contrasting one
inner and one
outer planet
from their solar
system.
Student made 3+
mistakes when
comparing/
contrasting one
inner and one
outer planet from
their solar
system.
Student did not
compare/
contrast one inner
and outer planet
from their solar
system. Chose 2
inners or 2 outers
instead.
All planets are
accounted for in
the correct order
and are roughly
proportional to
each other.
All objects are
accurate and
clearly labeled.
1 planet is
missing and/or
not correctly
proportional or
in order.
2 planets are
missing and/or
not correctly
proportional or
in order.
Most objects are
accurate and
clearly labeled.
Three or more
objects are
inaccurate and
not clearly
labeled.
3 or more planets
are missing
and/or not
correctly
proportional or in
order.
Objects are
inaccurate and
not clearly
labeled.
Points
Earned
Total points earned = ______ / 15.
Standards:
SC.5.E.5.2
Recognize the major common characteristics of all planets and compare/contrast the
properties of inner and outer planets.
SC.5.E.5.3
Distinguish among the following objects of the Solar System -- Sun, planets, moons,
asteroids, comets -- and identify Earth's position in it.