Solar system model with labels

What is a Solar System scale model?

The first model will compare the distances between the planets and the Sun. The second model will compare the sizes of the planets. You probably won’t be able to display either of these models, but you will learn a lot about the real dimensions of space. How can we make a solar system scale model?

How do you make a scale model of a solar system?

Make a Solar System on a String (scale distance model) Tie colored beads onto a string to make a scale model of the distances between planets in the solar system. You can wear your model or even display it on a wall. Measure and cut a piece of string about 30 cm longer than the distance you calculated from the Sun to Neptune.

How do I represent the Solar System?

If you are interested in a more accurate way to represent the solar system and have a lot of space (at least half a mile!) to work with, try making a model of the solar system that displays distance and planet size at the same scale. Otherwise, skip this step.

Where can I find a solar system model?

A company called Mighty Wonderer reached out to me and offered me a solar system model to use with students and I was happy to check it out (you can find it on Amazon). I LOVE that it shows students the size differences between planets, and on each baggie there is a walk-off distance if you wanted to walk off a scaled model.

How does the map a model Solar System work?

The Map a Model Solar System interactive by PBS LearningMedia lets you set the center of the solar system in any location in the United States, pick a scale based on the size of the Sun or Earth, and then see the relative locations of planetary orbits on the map.

What's a good video to scale a solar system?

To Scale: The Solar System by Wylie Overstreet and Alex Gorosh, is a 7 minute artistic video about creating a truly scale model Solar System. It's also downloadable for offline viewing. Also consider their video about the 2017 Eclipse scale model.