Scale Model of Solar System on paper!
Ok, making a TRUE scale model of the solar system here on Earth would require a very large area. This
activity and model allows students to visualize the distances that planets are away from the Sun and
each other! It is simple and informative.
Show the 7 minute award -winning video To Scale: The Solar System (Youtube)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zR3Igc3Rhfg
Use a half-sheet of an 8 ½ X 14 in. piece of paper. Follow the instructions below. Don’t jump ahead.
Go in order.
1) Label one end of the Paper as the Sun and the other end Pluto.
*Yes, I know Pluto is not a planet anymore.
2) Fold the paper in half and neatly label that space Uranus. (should be in the middle)
3) Fold the paper in half between the Sun and Uranus and label that Saturn.
4) Fold the paper in half between Uranus and Pluto and label that Neptune.
5) Fold the paper in half between the Sun and Saturn and label that Jupiter.
6) Fold the paper in half between the Sun and Jupiter and label that Mars.
7) Fold the paper in half between the Sun and Mars and label that Venus.
8) Estimate halfway between Venus and Mars and label Earth.
9) Estimate halfway between the Sun and Venus and label Mercury.
10) Sketch pictures of each planet and color. Use text book, website, or classroom posters for reference.