Pbs Learning Media: Solar System Scale Model

Teach the concept of scale models and the size of the solar system through this extensive lesson plan. Middle schoolers will learn about scale models, estimate which objects to use to create a scale model of Earth and Sun, and figure out how far to place the Earth from the Sun to create a distance in scale with the objects. In addition, there are teaching tips and information on placing other planets in the scale model, and where the planetary orbits would be in the model. Additional worksheets cover topics such as relative size of nearest stars, our galaxy, and the universe.