Lesson Plan

Clay Planets

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This Clay Planets lesson plan also includes:

Why do scientists use models? In the first installment of 22, groups create scale models of our solar system. They then share and discuss their models.

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CCSS: Adaptable
Additional Tags
Instructional Ideas
  • Briefly review all of the objects in our solar system: sun, planets, asteroid belt, moons, potential comets, meteors, etc. 
Classroom Considerations
  • Each group needs five separate colors and specific amounts of clay; purchase needed materials ahead of time and have extra on hand
  • Would be best if clay colors do not mix so that builders can compare their model to the real object
  • Assumes scholars understand what building a scale model means
Pros
  • Activity is simple and a great way for learners to see the scale of our solar system
  • Includes four simple discussion questions
Cons
  • None
Common Core