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Planetary scales - Model the solar system

Science Year 5
This unit is part of Year 5 Science Space Presenters

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Objectives

Do you have what it takes to create a scale model of the solar system? Prof Cox has sent you through some fruit to substitute for your planets!

Science Objectives
i) Describe the movement of the Earth, and other planets, relative to the Sun in the solar system.

ii) Describe the Sun, Earth and Moon as approximately spherical bodies.

Working Scientifically

  1. Record data of increasing complexity using tables, scatter graphs, bar and line graphs.
  2. Identify scientific evidence that has been used to support or refute ideas or arguments.

Other Curriculum Areas
Maths

  • Use all four operations to solve problems involving measure including scaling.
  • Solve problems involving x and ÷, including scaling by simple fractions and problems involving simple ratios.

Art & Design

  • Develop & improve art & design techniques with creativity & experimentation.

Extended Writing Opportunity
Information text: Write a leaflet or poster giving facts and figures about your favourite planet/s.

Lesson Planning

Teaching

  • Create a scaled solar system model using spherical representations.
  • Research and collate planetary data online and represent it graphically.
  • Use ratios for scale and calculate and measure distances using a scaled system.
  • Select and use an effective medium to create an artistic representation of a chosen planet.

Activities

  1. Use fruit to create a model of the solar system.
  2. Calculate scales and ratios for a model of the solar system.
  3. Research, collate and create graphs for data about the planets.
  4. Paint the planets from known images and the nature of the planets.

Investigation - exploring/analysing secondary sources
Create a scale model of the solar system.

Vocabulary
Earth, planets, Sun, solar system, celestial body, sphere/spherical, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, 'dwarf' planet, orbit, opinion/fact, accuracy, precision, scatter graphs, line graphs, support/refute

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