Planets are Spatial (Scale models)

Students are shown a realistic scale model of our solar system.
This episode helps students deal with the astronomically big and far, starting in our own Solar System. A scale model of the Sun and planets 1/50 billionth of their size is displayed on a football field. The Sun is now smaller than a ping pong ball, and the Earth is barely visible. Keeping to these dimensions, the nearest star to our sun would need to be placed 500 miles from the football field.

Key Concepts for Student Learning

Teacher resources & Lesson Ideas

Student Misconceptions

Student Prior Knowledge

Assessment Strategies

Standards

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