For this assignment, you will conduct research to find the actual sizes of the Sun and the planets. Then, you will use an online solar system model calculator to determine the scaled sizes of these celestial
bodies. Finally, you will use this information to create a scale model of the solar system.
Background Information
Models are representations of ideas, objects, phenomena, and even systems. A drawing of a tree is an
example of a model because it represents a real tree. The tree cannot be drawn on paper in its actual
size because it would not fit. When real objects are too big or too small, scales are used so objects can
be properly modeled. A scale is the ratio of the size of a model to the size of the real object. For example,
you want to draw a tree that is 1,500 mm tall. You could draw a tree that is 150 mm tall on paper. The
drawing on the paper is ten times smaller than the real tree and is called a scale model.
Scale models can be smaller, as you have seen, or bigger than the objects or systems they represent. A
scale model of the solar system that shows the relative sizes of the planets is smaller than the actual
solar system. Scale models are helpful for comparing the parts of a system. They are also used to show
the relationships between or among the parts of a system.
Materials
 Poster boards
 Construction paper (different colors)
 A pair of scissors
 A compass
 A ruler
 Glue or tape
 A pencil
 Marking pens
Assignment Instructions
For this project, you are expected to submit the following:
1. Your Student Guide with completed Student Worksheet
2. Your scale model of the solar system
Step 1: Prepare for the project.
a) Read through the guide before you begin so you know the expectations for this project.
b) If anything is not clear to you, be sure to ask your teacher.
Step 2: Conduct research on the actual sizes of the planets.
a) Do research to find the actual sizes of the Sun and the planets. This information is typically
represented as diameter in kilometers (km). Recall that diameter is the length of the imaginary
straight line from one side of a figure, such as a sphere, to the opposite side of the figure. This
line passes through the center of the figure.
b) Record the actual diameters of the Sun and the planets in the first column of the table in the
Student Worksheet.
Student Guide (continued)
Copyright © Edgenuity Inc.
c) Copy the link of the website you used into the space provided in the Student Worksheet.
Step 3: Determine the scaled sizes of the planets.
a) Go to a reliable website to find a solar system model calculator.
b) Decide how big you want the Sun in your model to be. For example, you could assign your Sun to
be 300 mm. Input this figure in the calculator, and the calculator will determine the diameters of
the eight planets for you. You want to make sure that the Sun is big enough so that the smallest
planet will still be big enough to draw.
c) Record information from the calculator in the second column of the table in the Student
Worksheet.
d) Copy the link of the website you used into the space provided in the Student Worksheet.
Step 4: Create a scale model of the solar system.
a) Draw and cut construction paper models of the Sun and the planets using the scaled
measurements from the table.
b) Glue the models on the poster board. You can glue or tape poster boards together if necessary.
Be sure to put the Sun in the center and to put the planets and a drawing of their orbits in order
from nearest to farthest from the Sun.
Note: Remember that in this model, the diameter of the planets is scaled but the distance of the
planets from the Sun is not. That means your model does not accurately represent the distances
of the planets from the Sun so you need not worry about these measurements.
c) Label the Sun and the planets.
d) Put an attention-catching title above or below your model.
e) Write your name on the back of your poster board.