Modeling the Solar System
Introduction
As you have seen this semester models come in many shapes and sizes and have
different functions. Just because a model looks like something does not mean it
will accurately model a purpose or function. Furthermore, models that depict
processes and functions often do not look much like the object.
Today (and maybe a little tomorrow) you will be looking at three models of our solar
system. First we will watch a video about a model. Second, you will construct your
own linear model. Finally, you will analyze a spatial model.
After working with all three models you will be able to compare and contrast the
usefulness of each model and identify its strengths and weaknesses.
Size and Scale: Peoria and Beyond
After watching the United Streaming Video Size and Scale: Peoria and
Beyond, answer the following questions.
1. Why are models used to study the solar system?
2. What structures in the solar system is it possible to model?
3. What processes in the solar system is it possible to model?
4. Peoria is an example of a(n) :
a. Mental Model
b. Physical Model
5. Peoria is an example of a(n):
a. Scale Model
b. Analogue Model
c. Pictorial Model
c. Mathematical Model
d. Theoretical Model
6. Is Sheldon Schafer’s model practical for studying the solar system? What are
the advantages and disadvantages of his model?
7. What kind of effect does the Sun have on Pluto? Use Schafer’s model to
describe just how far Pluto is from the Sun.
8. Identify three other ways you could build a model of the Solar System. For
each of your models include what you can learn from or demonstrate using the
model and any limitations of that model.
Creating a Linear Model of the Solar System
Now it is your turn to construct a model. In order to get a better idea of the distances
between planets and the size of each planet, you are going to make a scale model of the
solar system.
I. Procedure
1. Use the data and materials provided to construct a model of the solar system
2. Using your data table, show the relative size and location of each planet, the Sun, the
asteroid belt, and the Kuiper Belt.
3. Be sure to make all measurements from the outside of the Sun.
4. If appropriate color and label all objects in your solar system, including distance from
the Sun (in AU) and diameter (relative to Earth).
II. Questions
1. In what ways is this model similar to and different from the Peoria model?
2. Sketch and label the model
3. Does this model accurately depict distances from the Sun? Explain.
4. Does this model accurately show the relative sizes of the planets? Explain.
5. Does this model accurately depict the size of the planet relative to the distance from
the Sun? Explain.
6. What is the purpose of this model? Why is it used? Why do we need this model?
7. How is this model the same as what we would observe in real life?
8. How is this model different than what we would observe in real life?
9. What are the advantages/benefits of this model?
10. What are the disadvantages/problems with this model?
11. The nearest star to Earth is about 274,000 AU away. How would this fit into your
model
12. What scale factor might you use for a model of:
 The School
 The United States
 The Universe
13. Why do we use scale models?
14. List some ways we could improve on this model or make it more informative.
15. What are some other things that models can be used for? Can you think of anything
else so large we can only see it using a model? Can you think of anything so small we
cannot see it unless we use a model?
16. The current theory suggests that the solar system formed from a collapsing nebula. It
is called the nebular hypothesis. What data from the model supports this hypothesis?
17. Compare and contrast the terrestrial and Jovian planets in terms of composition,
atmosphere, density, rate of revolution, size and distance between them.
18. Mercury is closer to the Sun than Venus yet Venus has a higher average temperature.
What could explain this phenomenon?
19. Saturn and Jupiter have the most moons of all the planets. Can you suggest a reason
this might occur?
20. Describe the space between Mars and Jupiter. What can be found in this large space?
What do you think some astronomers have hypothesized about this region of space?
21. The Kuiper Belt is believed to be the place where many of the Solar System’s comets
originate. One of the most famous comets is Halley’s Comet, which returns to view
about every 76 years. It is next due to arrive in the year 2062. Use your model to
construct a hypothesis about why the time between comet sightings is so large.
22. Which planet do you think travels around the Sun the fastest? The slowest? Explain
your answers.
23. Light travels at a speed of 300,000 km/second. Choose three planets and calculate
how long it would take to get there at the speed of light. Remember how far it is to
the nearest star? Do you still think the solar system is all that big?
24. Based on your distances between planets, how would you describe space in general and
the solar system, in particular?
25. List all of the science skills you used for this project.