You demonstrate it! by Royal Observatory Greenwich

2017-08-15 10:51:33 UTC

I would get the class to decorate the plastic balls as the planets, sun and moon. Then I would take the children outside, into the playground, and give a 'planet ball' to a child before arranging them into the solar system (possibly using chalk to draw their orbits into the ground). I could then talk them through the demonstration of the planets orbiting the sun and the moon orbiting the Earth and use this as a physical starting point to them remembering the order of the planets.

Using resources...

2017-08-28 14:29:31 UTC

Several lessons to demonstrate order, orbits and distance from the sun.
1) I would use the balloons to paper mache them and then colour in, or write the planet names and leave them hanging in the classroom with the string as a reminder of their order post-lesson and reference point.

2) During the lesson we would use a large hall or the playground and use the string to measure out the distance from the sun to each balloon/planet.

3)We would also then demonstrate their individual orbits around the sun in a separate lesson.

I would use the balls to discuss relative sizes, or use one as the sun if comparable.

Could use the clay to model the actual spherical-like shape of Earth.

2017-10-09 01:32:13 UTC

I would get the plastic balls and get the students to decorate them to represent each of the planets, sun and our moon. We would then attach each ball to string to show the orbit of the planets around the sun and the moon around the earth. We would also use the torch to show how the sun's light shines onto the earth and moon.

2017-10-09 11:50:26 UTC

I would use the clay together with the balls to provide a range of different sized spheres for children to think about the comparative size of the different planets, the sun and the moon. I usually use pepper corns, peas etc from home. Children often think the Moon is bigger than the Sun because they don't know about the distances involved.
A ball and torch can be used for modelling day and night. The torch is the sun and the ball earth. It helps if you can darken the room so the children can see that only part of the ball it lit up.
Similarly a ball and torch can be used to start to understand phases of the moon, if you also use a teachers swivel chair to turn the child around

2017-10-09 13:59:44 UTC

Three different exercises:

1) Get the child to draw a dot on a ball with a pen. Shine the torch on the ball and get them to slowly turn it, making a funny noise when their dot is lit by the torch. This shows day and night.

2) Place a piece of paper on a table and place a Sun made from the clay in the middle. Take the balls and put them at different distances away from The Sun on the paper. With the pens draw an orbit each planet must follow. Now each child takes their string and follows it around this orbit. They can then show how much string it took to do one full loop of the orbit. This explains why it takes planets on outside of the solar system take longer to go around The Sun than the ones on the inside.

3) Put all the objects inside the cardboard box except a pen and the torch. Poke two holes in the box with the pen (one to look through, the other to shine the torch through.) Ask a child to look through a hole to see what they can see. Then ask them to do the same with the torch shining through the other hole. This shows that without the Sun we wouldn't be able to see anything and everything would be just dark.

2017-10-09 20:09:15 UTC

How to demonstrate it!

2017-10-10 14:43:05 UTC

Kids love to get hands on.
So use all sort of bits and bobs to get kids to make there own solar system is a good way to get all abilities share the knowledge and understanding

Lots of ideas!

2017-10-10 20:56:38 UTC

You could do so may things with those resources such as:
1. Use the modelling clay to make models of the lunar surface, asteroids etc..
2. Use the string and plastic balls to make a simple model of the planets. Pierce holes in the balls at opposite sides. Tie one end of the string to the wall which is the sun, then slide the balls on to the string. Tie the other end to the opposite wall making tight. Then get people to slide the balls to the appropriate distances the planets would be.
3. Use the balloons to show how the universe is expanding as you blow them up.
4. Use a piece of paper with a drawing of the earth then shine the torch on the paper. Use a small plastic ball and pass it in front of the torch and show how the shadow passes over the Earth. Explain how an eclipse happens.

Planets everywhere

2017-10-11 19:56:40 UTC

With so many resources there is much to do. You could set groups up and they could design their own solar system . This would be great hands on experience and would make the children think about the size of planets and how far each ch one is away from the sun

Ideas

2017-10-14 09:50:41 UTC

Using the balls, you could demonstrate a scale model of the solar system, for example use a 50cm ball for the Sun. A golf ball for Jupiter, a smaller ball for Saturn. Marbles for Uranus and Neptune, peppercorns for Earth and Venus and tiny pieces of clay for Mars and Mercury.

Using the string you could map out the distances of the planets across the classroom or playground.

In groups, outside we’d make representations of the planets of relative sizes from the clay, balls and the balloons and put them on the floor at relative distances from the sun, (the torch in the middle). The string could be used to show the orbital paths of the planets. If cut and each stretched out, the relative lengths could illustrate why it takes longer for planets further away from the sun to go round it as it shows their orbit is longer and so takes more time to complete. Not sure how to use the pens with lids!

kim_lawler — 2017-10-15 09:40:21 UTC

Students could use the clay and the balls to represent the different planets. Someone with a torch could stand in the middle and the planets could orbit around them. Looking at the lights and shade as they move - you would need a dark space for this part.

2017-10-15 18:21:00 UTC

Resources for youngers

2017-10-16 16:15:06 UTC

I would use balloons to make an Earth and with the torch explain day and night, a moon with another balloon to see moon phases with the torch again and finally all the planets moving around a big yellow balloon in the playground.
With the plastic balls and the string a smaller model for the classroom.
I´d laminate the paper to let them make their own Solar System with modelling clay.

Solar System

2017-10-16 18:56:13 UTC

I would create a solar system and use the torch to demonstrate, day and night. Also to explain how each planet orbits and how the sun is the centre.

My ideas

2017-10-17 19:34:47 UTC

I would use a balloon for the Earth and for the Moon. With a torch (the Sun) I would explain moon phases.
Then for make the rest of solar system, I would use plastic balls of different sizes that I would put on strings for make the orbits of different planets. For the Sun, it would be a big yellow balloon.
I would use clay for model asteroids between Mars and Jupiter also and I would laminate paper in little pieces for the stars.

Solar System

2017-10-17 20:44:10 UTC

first thing I'd do is give paper / pens to groups of children to draw what they would include in the solar system. The offer 3-D materials to see what else they could add. Start the learning from where your children are! This can also serve as a reference for formative assessment - add drawings of their new learnings as they go, see how far they have come.
I wrap a Earth (ball) 10 times with string to get the distance from Earth to the Moon - this is great with a soccer ball - source was Colin at the Armagh Planetarium.
Frances / BCO

Planet orbits

2017-10-17 21:52:26 UTC

I've unravelled the string and put children at different points along the string. Being the sun, I held the string as they revolved around me and other children were asteroids and meteors rushing around after a collision.

Ready to go!

mdiez1 — 2017-10-20 15:33:39 UTC

I will use modelling clay and balls to represent meteors and planets. I would use the pen caps to build rockets. String can help to hang them around in the classroom...they love being under the solar system and even more if they built it. The torch is a great representative of the sun.

Solar System

2017-10-22 21:44:40 UTC

i would use the balloons as a representation of the solar systems hanging from the ceiling, then i would ask the students in small group using the modelling clay, paper and cardboard to create their own solar system mactching mine, with me using the torch as the sun.

There are so many objects to be able to represent the planets. Balloons,

2017-10-24 04:32:31 UTC

clay could be used to model the asteroids as they are abstract shapes, and balloons/balls to represent planets.
Paper mache planets.
Torch can be used to explain light and shadow and the changes in the moon that they see at night.

2017-10-24 16:05:45 UTC

I would use the modding clay for students to create the planets to learn about the scale of the planets. With the string we would make a solar system in the playground the students can be planets and orbit a pole which the string is tied to. They can visualise the distance between planets as well as an orbit.

Solar System

2017-10-24 16:40:00 UTC

I Would use The clAy For Planets and the pencils For Tbeir Inc!ination
Padlet For Images And Flip Grid For Videos on Research

Modelling Clay

2017-10-24 17:03:01 UTC

In small groups, I would have students each create a portion of the solar system. They would then have to teach their portion to the other groups before they added it to a whole class solar system.

I would get

lizellex — 2017-10-29 13:06:15 UTC

Solar System Model

lizellex — 2017-10-29 13:06:15 UTC

I would get to make spheres out of the clay to represent the planets in the right proportions. Then ask them to attach fish line to each sphere, so the clay spheres can hang at relative astronomical distances from the Sun. The Sun will be a combo of an inflated balloon with the torch litand pushed up right against it. All this can be constructed in the carboard box, with the lit torch fitted on the side through a hole made in the cardboard box. The inflated balloon right next to it inside the box, with the clay planets suspended from the inside "ceiling" of the box at relevant distances. Then get the kids to label each planet and Sun using the coloured pens.

USING PENCILS

2017-11-02 19:57:11 UTC

WE WILL DRAW ALL THE FEATURES OF SOLAR SYSTEM THEN LATER MAKE USE OF THE CLAY TO PRODUCE A 3D OF IT.

Not need to go too far

2017-11-03 19:51:20 UTC

Just with the help of coins oof different sizes and a source of lights will be helpful for kids to understand solsr and lunar eclipse .
Then using the same resources it will be easy to explain phases of moon in a very short time in group of 4-5 of students.

Solar System

agrossin15 — 2017-11-11 15:47:35 UTC

This would be the kind of activity I would do after having introduced and discussed what a solar system is with the children in my class. I would give each team (groups of 4) in my classroom the following materials: pens with lids, paper, a cardboard box, string, 8 different sized balls, string and tape. I would ask each team to create their own solar system using these materials.
If I were to do this exercise myself, I would use the same objects as above. The plastic balls would represent each planet. They would be held with string and tape from the top of the cardboard box. A hole to one side big enough for the torch to fit it would represent the sun. The paper would be used as a background and to label the planets using the pens.

Solar System

gramirez_silva — 2017-11-12 21:19:39 UTC

I´ll use some material like plasticine or unicle to making a model of the Solar System using different sizes in the unicel (spheres for example), but is always listen the ideas of the students to made his own models with the material they want the most interesting part

How about attempting an Orrery (of sorts) out of an old record player.. The spindle in the middle a blob of yellow plasticine the other planets attached using more plasticine to pencils Wonder if that works at 33 1/3 rpm? must try it.

2017-11-15 15:02:03 UTC

Representation

2017-11-15 15:03:25 UTC

I'lle use this material too build a solar system and with the light I can explain how the sun work and explain the seasons, the years, the days...

Solar system crafts

2017-11-19 10:59:12 UTC

definitely model the solar system of some description, using balloons or clay.

Solar System

2017-11-22 14:29:28 UTC

I would probably use the cardboard box to represent the universe and use the plastic balls and balloons inside the box to represent our solar system to show tht everything is inside the universe. The pen lids could also act as meteors or asteroids if you were to chuck them or tie them to a peice of string.

I would use the torch to represent the Sun and a ball to represent Earth. In this way, I could explain day and night.

janekirschvv — 2017-11-24 13:13:45 UTC

Solar system

2017-12-08 00:12:30 UTC

I would use the cardboard box first, to represent the area of the solar system, drawing stars in it.
The torch would represent the sun, the plastic balls the rocky planets and the balloons the gaseous planets
Plasticine could be used to represent asteroids, the asteroid belt
I would place pieces of paper that indicate the names for a better understanding.

2017-12-09 04:12:27 UTC

I would use the box to create a model. The string could be used to show the path of the planets' orbits. The clay and balls the planets and asteroids. One could use the pens as a base for planets.

The 1st step for familiarizing with Solar System

akinoena — 2017-12-30 01:12:21 UTC

① target age: 7~10 years old

② aim (1) to know name of planets in Solar System in English

(2) to understand the order of positions and orbits of the planets

(3) to describe their movement by making simple English sentences

③ timing 20 minutes

④ materials

(1) Flash cards with English names of planets and pictures (offered by British Council’s LearnEnglish Kids site)

(2) A simple model of Solar System: a thin metal plate(a lid of recycled biscuit tin) with small magnet marbles of several different sizes on it. Orbits of the planets are drawn on the plate. The biggest magnet marble is placed the centre on it.

(3) several science books for kids and younger learners (1)Science vol.5 and 6

published by Hougton Mifflin.

(2)Space Science (McDougal Littell Science series)

⑤ procedure

・Solicit words: what each pupil know about Solar System in native tongue (Japanese).

・Show flash cards and guess which English name match to Japanese name of planets.

・Explain orbit and movement of planets and basic role of the Sun showing pictures and diagrams on the science books.

・Let pupils move magnet marbles on the plate step by step by turns like a chess game.

・Have them make English sentences: for example The Earth goes around the Sun.

*As I mentioned initially, I teach science as a part of normal English course now.

That is why I plan the above considering English words, grammar and writing

Solar System - flipped

2018-01-31 10:39:01 UTC

After a range of learning experiences and exposure to knowledge, concepts and phenonemon in a range of ways I would set a flipped task to utilise STEM and solution fluency strategies as means to check and enhance understanding and effectiveness of teaching. I would give set equipment as stated - pens with lids, paper, a cardboard box, string, different sized balls, string and tape. I would then frame an investigation giving set features and time frames to show the gas and terrestrial planets where they sit in realtion to the sun and orbits.

Solar system

2018-02-01 19:43:28 UTC

I would use the plastic balls and the torch to help explain the Earth's rotation, phases of he moon and seasons on Earth.

Solar system

2018-02-02 01:37:36 UTC

Well you could give the exact same task to your students near the end of the unit. Have students model their understandings. You could give them the objects at the start of the unit too and then the end of the unit and it could be an assessment piece of what they have learnt and understandings gained.

Once children had completed some basic tasks that introduced the Solar System I would provide a set of the equipment to each group of 3 or 4 and ask them to design and present a presentation to the class about the larger objects found within our Solar System. There would be a discussion to agree on set items for everyone to include eg planets and Sun but then it would be up to them to choose what other things to include. A set time for completion and steps for using a solution fluency strategy would also be included.

2018-02-02 13:00:08 UTC

2018-02-04 23:23:14 UTC

Solar system
I will use the modelling clay or the balls to represent the planets and sun then use the cardbord box to put the planets inside it and couloring it .

I will make a model of solar system . I will use the torch to represent sun , use the clay as a planets and string to make planets's orbit

2018-02-04 23:27:20 UTC

Solar system project

botelho_andreia — 2018-02-06 22:33:18 UTC

I would make a model of solar system using the equipment adapting what i did last year. The torch will definitly be the Sun, using something to cover it (translucent).

Last year i did something like that with my class :)

I will make a model of solar system . I will use the torch to represent sun , use the clay as a planets and string to make planets's orbit

2018-02-07 18:17:25 UTC

Solar System

2018-02-08 14:25:41 UTC

I will use the torch as the sun to show it is a light source, use the string to tie the balloons ( planets) together, the plastic balls as moons, the modelling clay for moulding space rocks. All these will be represented on a cardboard using paper to label each item on the cardboard

2018-02-13 22:24:02 UTC

A useful exercise might be to give these resources to the children and see what their suggestions are. This would give a useful insight into their understanding at the beginning or end of a unit of learning.

At the end of every lesson, you need to measure or know if the students have able to cope up with the lesson. In making a model of the solar system is a way to measure their learning about the topic.

2018-02-15 08:08:54 UTC

Model of the Earth with the moon rotating round the sun

2018-02-17 22:07:59 UTC

One of our Y5 classes made 3 balls from modelling clay and stuck on dud pens (collected over previous weeks). The earth and moon were stuck into holes drilled in a lolly type stick and that in turn was attached the another stick holding the sun. Manual rotation of the earth and moon round the sun plus the light from a torch clearly demonstrated night/day and how the same side of the moon is always viewed.
Other classes raided the PE store for balls and used balloons strung on string across the classroom to model the solar system. Great Fun!

2018-02-21 07:01:44 UTC

It would be interesting to make a drawing/model before teaching anything, then add to it as learning took place.

Planet sizes

2018-03-01 13:29:58 UTC

I would ask children to choose one of the balls (or to make one using the clay) to represent the Earth, one the moon and one for the sun. Then we would find out how close we were by creating a scale model (including the other planets)

2018-03-04 10:39:34 UTC

I would first write down what we are going to build with the involved size, then using balls and baloons (could be rock and gas planets...) will build a little solar system using strings to make the correct distances. Modelling clay couls be used to make some asteroid. Also, the torch is ok to be used to light the earth and explain how the seasons work

hamaelsajjad — 2018-03-20 11:07:36 UTC

I would use the strings for distances. Then I would make asteroids with modelling clay and use different size of plastic balls for Earth, moon , sun and other planets then I would use the torch to define the phenomenon of day and night.

hamaelsajjad — 2018-03-20 11:12:21 UTC

Model of the Solar System

vainsworth — 2018-03-27 06:42:22 UTC

I would use this equipment to create a model of the solar system. Using the modelling clay to create the different size planets (not to scale of course) and the string to hold them up. I would use the pens to colour them and distinguish the different features of some of the planets. I would use the paper to the write descriptions to hang with it of either the planets or just facts about the Solar System in general (or both).

2018-03-28 19:47:13 UTC

We used modelling clay to demonstrate the Moon orbiting the Earth, the Earth orbiting the Sun

Clay

2018-06-10 16:51:49 UTC

I would share out the clay and support the students to try and make a round sphere with it; they could add texture with the pen nibs or their fingers. Even this simple exercise would be quite a challenge for several of my students.
At the session end we could see which is the biggest, smallest, which rolls down a slope the best...so which is the most spherical CL

Balloons

2018-06-10 16:54:36 UTC

This fits well with some of the student targets which are something like 'pats a balloon to keep it in the air' and 'understands the terms light ans heavy'. I would make a game with our parachute and see if we can pat the balloon across to one another or use the parachute to waft the balloon up...I would link it to the planet which is light in weight. CL

String

2018-06-10 17:03:28 UTC

To look at the concept of distances and space I would go outside with the children or to the gym hall..and get the students to spread out as far as possible...in pairs, one would hold one end of the string and then I would unravel it and take it to the person the furthest away. CL

Torch and Box

2018-06-10 17:08:16 UTC

I would use our dark sensory room for this activity. With the torch in the box we would look at and experience dark. Students can then take it in turns to lift the lid to find the torch to understand light. The glow on the students faces might help to explain the how the moon reflects the light from the sun? CL

Clay

casabo44 — 2018-06-11 15:12:34 UTC

I think I would have students use the clay so they can mould the planets themselves. Anytime we can use all our senses, the better. The string could be used to show distances. The balloons would be fun if they are different sizes as then the students could blow them up themselves.

MT - Demonstration

2018-06-11 16:35:30 UTC

Torch: Have all children except two sitting at one end of the corridor/classroom. The other two children are on the opposite end. One is holding the torch and the other is ready to run. The child with the torch turns on the torch and the other child runs as fast as he/she can towards the children sitting down at the far end. The children sitting down have to keep an eye on the torch. When they see the light, which is immediately, they shout STOP and the child that is running must stop. This is great fun for younger children to demonstrate that light is very fast, in fact faster than the fastest child/adult in school. It is a great opening exercise to discuss the speed of light: Is it faster than a cheetah? Is it faster than a plane? ... For my 4/5yrs old children, the general idea that light is really really really fast is more important than the actual speed of light.

Phases of moon

2018-06-13 06:05:19 UTC

Demonstration with torch (flashlight) and balls to show the phases of the moon, also explaining how the moon makes one rotation per orbit, always showing the same side to earth, (except libration) and that the far side is not the dark side (sorry Pink Floyd) as it get sunlight just as much as the rest of out companion.

I might divide them into groups, give them one of the plastic balls (can they be soccer-ball size please?) and ask them to make planets from the clay, the correct scale size - I'd give them the sizes, their job then becomes a measuring job. The string I'd cut into metre lengths, one per group, for distance. If I can have some sand too, that could be asteroids? If any group finishes early, they can use the paper to make "xx km to alpha Cen" type signs.

2018-06-18 16:57:59 UTC

2018-06-19 10:16:55 UTC

I would use the string and balloons to help create a solar system outside. After being given distances and a scale the children could measure out the distance of the planets from the sun using string to show the lengths. Then at the end of each piece of string they can blow up the balloons to different sizes to represent the planets

I would make a model of the solar system using the various sized balls positioned in order and the correct size, using an image to help us (we would do this together, as a class) and have a child hold the torch to represent the sun. I would have some children hold the string to create a pathway (to represent the asteroid belt) between Mars and Jupiter then have some children pretend to be asteroids running through it. I would then ask the children to work in pairs to use the modelling clay to make all the planets and position them in order. Or perhaps use the balloons, blowing them up to different sizes to represent the planets and use the clay and string to show the asteroids travelling around the asteroid belt.

2018-06-19 14:31:26 UTC

Eclipse tutorial

2018-07-02 18:41:01 UTC

I would allow the students to first make a decorative clay model of our earth and then blow up a balloon to use as the sun. By pressing the torch to the balloon you can make the sun light up. show the students how the sun shines on the clay earth and then use a small plastic ball as the moon. Show the students how a shadow passes on to the earth when the moon is between the sun and the earth and this is a solar eclipse.
To further this tutorial into a solar system model simply allow students to decorate plastic balls as each planet and use the molding clay to create resting spots for the planets. Line the planets up accordingly

Classroom Resources

2018-07-03 21:33:23 UTC

The balls of various sizes could be used to model the solar system. The torch and balls could be used to demonstrate moon Phases, eclipses and equinoxes and solstices. The box with tiny holes could be used to project constellations onto a dark ceiling with the torch, alternatively you could make a pinhole camera from the box and project the sun onto the paper in the back of the box, sunspots, transit of Venus/Mercury and solar eclipses.
The pens could be used to put spots on the balloons to demonstrate the expanding universe when they are inflated.

2018-07-13 19:16:27 UTC

I would use modeling clay to make models of the different planets. The torch could represent the sun, just make sure to point out that the sun is much larger than all the planets combined!

BUILDING A MODEL OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM

2018-08-02 11:32:58 UTC

MyMy

lindgrenhakan854 — 2018-08-02 12:06:50 UTC

BUILDING A MODEL OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM

My name is Håkan Lindgren and I will let the children use the equipment, in order to build the solar system in 3D. We will do as follows:

1. The plastic balls will act as the sun, the planets and the earth's moon.

2. We will paint the balls with the pens to make them more planet like.

3. Some of the clay will be wrapped around the "moon-ball", just to make it look more realistic.

4. We will cut out the rings of Saturn, using the cardboard.

5. Each ball will be attached to a piece of modelling clay, which will function as "feets" for the planets, avoiding them to just roll around.

6. We will then put the celestial objects on a big piece of paper, at least 1,5 * 1,5 metres.

7. The string will be used to measure out our miniature solar system, in order to get the proportions roughly right.

8. We will use the pens to draw the approximate orbits of each planet.

9. We will use the modelling clay again, to create the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

10. The torch will be used as the light source of the sun, to show the phenomena behind night and day, the phases of the moon and the solar- and lunar eclipses.

11. One balloon will be used as a model of the universe.

2018-08-06 10:29:29 UTC

Depending on the age of the children, I'd be tempted to give them access to the materials themselves and see what they came up with themselves (at the end of the unit to demonstrate their learning)

As a teacher, I would use the torch and balls to demo phases of the moon. Balls of various sizes and/or clay can be used to model the planets. Balloons and paper could be used to make paper mache planets/moon. String could be used in conjunction with other things to make a mobile or to show distances in a scale model

Balloons could be blown up to different sizes and paper mached to make a planet display. Different coloured balls could also be used to represent planets and could be taken outside to show a physical, scale (approx) display of distance between planets.

2018-10-10 08:53:34 UTC

I would use the different sized balls to create a planet display, and use the paper as a background of this. Then draw (with the pen) the direction of orbit of each planet. The modelling clay would be used to go around the balls to make them more realistic.

2018-10-10 16:00:42 UTC

They students could be holes in the boxes in the shape of constellations and then shine the torch in a dark room against a wall.

2018-10-11 13:00:20 UTC

Planets Around The Sun

2018-10-14 11:30:46 UTC

I hope balloons would have helium filled inside. I would tie a string to those helium filled balloons.I would turn those balloons into planets and sun by inflating them to reasonable size according to respective planet. i will also mark planet's name using pencil.Using the pencil lids i will make holes in cardboard box. i would put the string in the box and from underside of box i would put modelling clay to the string to make sure that balloon doesn't escape. my model would be ready and for better demonstration i have a picture below.
Just in case balloons would not have helium then i will simply turn the whole set up upside down and hang it on roof using a string.

You can use a balloon to show how rockets are propelled into space. By blowing up the balloon and letting it go it will fly in the opposite direction that the air was pushing. This can illustrate a rocket being launched.

2018-10-15 13:40:34 UTC

Solar system modelling

2018-10-19 05:32:29 UTC

If children are not able to make the balloon model of the solar system then they could take colourful orange A4 size sheet cut it into a large circle and name it sun. Take 8 ice cream sticks and paste it like this and then take different coloured A4 sheets and then cut it into small circles according to the size of the planets. [according to children's age]

Feel free to use this Padlet for the entire section.

lizellexs — 2018-10-21 14:31:17 UTC

The Solar System and Beyond

Trina Shaddick

2019-01-28 21:50:07 UTC

I would demonstrate the phases of the moon by suspending a plastic ball within the cardboard box. I would cut holes in all sides of the box and shine torchlight in from different angles to represent the sunlight. I would explain that the moon shines because it reflects light from the sun.

My kids love drama so we have been personifying the planets and creating movement activities to get to know the solar system. We have used simple movement activities to explain the order of planets, the solstice and equinox and the phases of the moons. They always have great ideas and expand our our initial simple movement activity. We have also been listening to Gustav Holst's planet symphony, creating movement and paintings and composing our own music to consider the sounds and characters of the planets. Get them moving and creating and they will create lasting experiences and memories.

2019-02-04 01:36:31 UTC

Phases of the moon

2019-02-09 12:00:15 UTC

I would have the students cut holes in all four sides of the box, and suspend a ball from the top of the box. When they shine the torch in one side, they can see the different phases of the moon.
Or they could use balloons and lable the solar system after researching the sizes of the planets.

Planetarium with Recycling materials.

cacosta13 — 2019-02-14 19:26:58 UTC

Many times in the classroom there are not enough resources to do a demonstration session, however, the teacher must put at stake all their creativity and imagination to use and make good use of the materials they have, such as recycling. In this way, instead of holding a demonstration class with the teacher as protagonist, you can change the role by forming work teams where students design, create, explain and test everything they know to explain an event or event concrete with the teacher's guide.

Stars through time.

cacosta13 — 2019-02-14 19:32:41 UTC

I share this publication, to have a clearer and more precise vision of how to approach a topic of astronomy in middle-level students.

Sizes of planets

2019-02-19 18:44:03 UTC

Choose balls of different sizes to represent the planets, set them at distances 'to scale' if possible form the sun (although this one might be hard to model in the scale). Also can model sizes using clay.

Engaging ways

2019-02-23 13:59:49 UTC

If students were learning about planets and relation of size, I would provide materials and allow students to come up with a way to demonstrate scale. Jaffa cakes are also fun to use for phases of moon.

My Solar System

2019-02-26 17:14:22 UTC

ok so I will start using the cardboard box and I will colour it of black colour maybe using a spray.
After that I will use modelling clay of different colours and I will make balls which will represent my planets. For the sun I would like to use a yellow coloured balloon and then with the help of the torch I will point the torch through the sun and then make clear how the sun only illuminates one side of each planet ot body in orbit in the solar system.
I will use pens to draw the orbit of each planet and then cut star shaped piece of a paper and put them on the cardboard box to show the stars

Solar system in classroom roo

2019-03-01 21:33:14 UTC

Well, it is what I imagine in my head with the instruction of the activity, the idea is to put the planets in the roof, then connected with strings around on the top of the clasroom. Then turn off the lights, and the teacher or a student can point the torch in the differents planets and begin to start a conversation of any of them that can be interesting for the child.

Making a solar system with things from the classroom

2019-06-03 05:56:45 UTC

First of all I will use the cardboard box and paint them in black, then with the clay I will make the different planets. With the marker I will note the names of each planet. To represent the sun I will use a yellow balloon or I will paint it in this color. I will use a rope and ties to hang everything in the classroom to represent the solar system with equivalent distances between planets. Then I'll turn off the light and use the torch to show them the solar system as they go and give information about each planet.

kayla9816 — 2019-06-04 01:20:42 UTC

You can use the pens with lids or straws, string, balloons to make rockets and fly them across the room. You can then use math and measure how far they went and graph it with paper. The plastic balls of different sizes, paper, boxes, and so on can be used to make a display of the solar system and planets.

clay

2019-06-08 07:52:47 UTC

The solar system with objects from the classroom

2019-06-08 07:52:48 UTC

Cut out the cardboard into a big circle and paint it yellow and orange. Then clay of different colours will be rolled up in different sized balls to represent each planet.
Once all of this is ready, the big yellow circle will be placed on a table or the floor. Afterwards the clay planets will be placed around it in the same positions of the planets of the solar system.

During the lesson, I will cut out paper and ask the children to write the names of the planet and place them next to the correct clay ball. The balls can be rolled around the circle to show a planet's revolution or on itself to demonstrate rotation. This model can be used by the pupils later on to show what they have learned.

2019-06-10 15:47:31 UTC

Many people have suggested making solar systems. I would use the string and different objects to show a planet's orbit. Slightly tricky as they are not round but elliptical.

2019-06-10 19:23:40 UTC

I would create a model solar system. I would use the cardboard box as a diorama and place the planets (made with either the plastic balls or clay) inside it. Pupils would measure to scale to show he distance from the sun. I would use a balloon to represent the sun.
Another lesson would be to create the sun, Earth and moon using balloons. Demonstrate the movement around each other. include the torch shining as the sun to show ho day moves into night and also different time zones around the world.

I wou

2019-06-12 21:54:03 UTC

I would use these items to allow the children to create a model of the solar system. i like the idea of the children working and being actively engaged so after some teaching and discussion I would ask them to use the random materials provided to demonstrate what they have learned. e.g. model of the solar system, asteroids

2019-06-12 21:54:04 UTC

Eclipses

2019-07-03 18:11:31 UTC

I would take the balloon, and blow it a bit bigger than the largest plastic ball. Then I would take the largest plastic ball and use the string and pens. Using the pen points, I would make 2 holes in the cardboard box and tie the balloon and ball to the box with the string.
I'll turn off the lights and take the torch, flash it at the sun (The balloon) and just move the moon (The ball) slowly. Done! That's a DIY eclipse.

The solar system

2019-07-23 16:24:32 UTC

I would use the cardboard as a base onto which hang the different planets, I would make out of balloons blown at different sizes; studying with my pupils the exact distances from each planet to the sun, I would place them in line, using a piece of string each...was thinking also of using the clay to make the asteroids belt, but I am not sure how to hang it from the cardboard. Would use the torch to demonstrate the day/ night effect on the different planets, starting from the Earth, of course, and showing the different duration of each planet rotation

earnest_e_b — 2019-07-29 15:02:30 UTC

Schoolbus Stops

I would use the cardboard box , string and plastacine in groups to make a model solar system. The balloon and string with a straw is a good experiment to demonstrate how a rocket propels itself into space. The torch and balloons could be used to demonstrate night and day.

2019-10-09 07:09:34 UTC

Pens or sticks with little balls put through a piece of cardboard could be used to show a constellation of stars.This could be viewed in 3D from different angles to see how the famillar shape of a constellation can change depending on your perspective if you were looking at it from somewhere else in space.

2019-10-09 13:44:47 UTC

In Indian rular area I don't have tools to help my teaching so I use students as a tools .

Solar System

gulshan792011 — 2019-10-14 10:50:42 UTC

I would have the students cut holes in all four sides of the box, and suspend a ball from the top of the box. When they shine the torch in one side, they can see the different phases of the moon.

I would use the equipment to demonstrate the phases of the moon. I would use the string to hang a half blown white balloon from the top of the box. The torch would be used to simulate the sun. It could be poked through a hole on the side of the box. Viewing holes could be cut into all sides of the box and students.

2019-10-21 23:20:05 UTC

Solar system

2019-11-20 11:07:05 UTC

Create a mobile of the solar system, though difficult to show scale and distance accurately.

Creativity!

2020-01-29 21:57:33 UTC

I would definitely use a yellow ballon as a sun, the modeling clay to make the planets, the torch to illuminate our ballon sun, the pen caps to hold our little planets up, the card board to put everything inside, some how use yarn to suspend our little planets in the air.

katefrost2016 — 2020-02-03 22:39:25 UTC

Explore light and shadow by looking at the way the torch (representing the sun) illuminates the model planets. Key questions- which side of the planet is dark? Why? When would it be light there? What must happen in order to get day and night on Earth then?

Night and Day

2020-03-14 12:04:20 UTC

For our lesson on day and night and changing shadows next week, I am going to guide the children to fashion their own sundials out of modelling clay. They will then use the torch to emulate the sun and see how shadows can be effected by the sun being in different positions. Finally, they will design their own experiment for how they could prove that the sun rotates, using their new understanding of shadow formation.

I would create a model of the solar system with the class using different coloured balls for each planet, looking at size and colour, and use the balloon as the sun, explaining that as the sun is a gas and so is air we are making it as real as possible. The balls and sun would be suspended on the string to show perceptual distance. I would use the modelling clay and pen as asteroids and/or comets/

2020-03-25 10:59:12 UTC

There is a lot of potential in these - I would definitely incorporate them in our night and day/seasons/years learning - to ensure children can visibly see the effect of movement in space/the sun.

2020-03-25 11:13:31 UTC

There is also the option to make planet models and look at distances and size comparisons.
The pens were a little trickier and I think I would either use them to measure scaled differences.
It would also be great to give the children these resources to design their own investigation.

Easy resources

2020-03-25 14:44:09 UTC

The list of resources are friendly and easy to find. I've used clay to make a model solar system with all the planets.

2020-03-27 09:27:17 UTC

I would get children to work in teams to create a solar system in a box using balloons and clay

Give the children the opportunity to be creative letting them choose how they want to make a solar system. Putting children into groups getting them to brain storm their ideas before they start .

2020-03-27 10:34:54 UTC

Making a Solar System

2020-03-30 10:15:57 UTC

Whilst this doesn't use the equipment listed, I made painted pebbles. These in the picture below aren't mine (they are in school and I am working at home). The children loved using them and they were cheap and easy to make. Alternatively you do something similar with balls of air dry clay.

Eclipses

2020-04-07 06:54:40 UTC

Using the cardboard box to keep it somewhat dark. Stick the torch in one side to shine on two different sized balls representing the earth and moon to show how a lunar eclipse or solar eclipse work

solar System

gerrybell1 — 2020-04-07 10:51:21 UTC

Using the balls, set them out in order size of planets, then piece each and thread string through and suspend them in order of distance from Sun. sun will be created by blowing up balloon to req'd scaled size. Suspend.

2020-04-07 11:36:27 UTC

Firstly i would like to brainstorm like a story and give them all the equipment to students to present the solar system

Solar System

2020-04-07 13:54:06 UTC

I would use the different sized balls to represent different planets and hang them by the string inside the cardboard box. A large balloon outside the box would represent the sun and the torch could be shone into the box to illuminate the planets. A hole cut into each side of the box would allow the illumination to appear from different angles.

Solar System

2020-04-09 10:14:09 UTC

Use the clay to make different size planets. Make a model first so that students have an idea of what to do. Give them guidelines put allow them to be creative and do things their way. If it is a project to do at home tell your students to ask their parents for help and ask them questions about the solar system when they working on it.

2020-04-10 09:04:15 UTC

Solar system,
I would like to use the plastic balls of varying sizes to represent different planet and hang them by string inside the cardboard Bax. A large Yellow balloon out side the box will represent the sun and torch could be shown into the box to illumination the planets. A hole cut into each side of the box would allow the illuminate to apear from different angle.

2020-04-11 21:40:00 UTC

Use coloured chalks to draw solar system. The Sun, 8 planets and asteroids.

Solar system

2020-04-12 17:43:01 UTC

Firstly I would mind map with the children what they already know and what they would like to find out. This then gives me an idea of what they are interested in and any misconceptions they may already have. I would blow up the balloons, preferably a blue one, and colour it to look like the Earth before the lesson. Going through what they know about the Earth and what I can teach them about the Earth before we move onto any of the other planets. Using the other balls, whilst keeping the balloon as the Earth, I’d ask the children to create a circle (maybe performing it in the hall or outside) and the children get the chance to create the solar system. Children would have a go at doing it before I would get involved so I could assess their learning first and then go through where each planet lies and spend maybe a lesson on each planet. Going through the different gases it is made up of and why they think it may not be able to have life on it. Explaining that the sun is a star and not a planet.

Solar System

2020-04-14 11:17:03 UTC

Use the clay to model the different sizes of the planets, let the children have a go. Put them in the correct order, maybe use the torch as the sun to show eclipses.

2020-04-16 10:56:34 UTC

Solar System
Using a different sizes of paper, children could use the scaled sizes of the planets so they could visualise the differences on the planets' sizes

A group of 2 or 3, make planets according to the size, smallest to the biggest using clay. Appropriate color applied for each planet. put on a stick and ask them to play role with each planet orbiting time.

2020-04-17 03:03:20 UTC

I would get the children to dress up as a specific planet, then on the yard using chalk, make approximate measurements of the size/position/temperature and order of the planets so the children can imagine the planets structure and climate.

2020-04-20 10:54:24 UTC

2020-04-21 08:45:09 UTC

I would either do it on a large scale so use the children as planets in an outside setting or get the children to rite in groups and make the plants using the resources

Solar System

2020-04-21 10:08:23 UTC

In order to engage with the class and get the to understand the difference between the planets and the uniqueness they all possess, I would create 9 groups, each with an assigned planet. Each group will be able to design and draw what they believe the planet is like, and because they are in groups they will be able to discuss and share ideas. Then, once they are done, each group will be given a ball to paint and decorate like their planet. Next, they will present it to the class and explain what their planet is, what makes it unique and where is it located in the solar system, as well as any fun information they find out. the planets will then be mounted on the flattened box that was decorated with the paper, painted with the suitable background. Next the children will use the modelling clay to shape asteroids and meteoroids and using white modelling clay, they can create the Kuiper belt.

Solar System

2020-04-21 13:50:15 UTC

A balloon with the torch shinning through could be the sun. The varying size of plastic balls could be the planets with the rings of Saturn being made from paper. These will be in order hung up using the string. Moons, asteroids, comets and meteors can be made using modeling clay and hung with string. The space ice could be made from paper and string. The facts and learning can be hung next to the features using the string, paper and pens. The cardboard box could be used to make a rocket or astronauts to link to other space features.

use the students to form a scale model of the Solar System:

2020-04-24 02:24:30 UTC

Start by asking the kids what the most important thing in the solar system is. Whoever says "Sun" gets to be the Sun. They get a (yellow) balloon and the torch, which they shine through the balloon.
Next ask if anyone knows the name of the closest planet to the sun. They get to be Mercury. They get to hold the smallest plastic ball. Using pre-measured lengths of string, I would have them stand at a specific distance from the "Sun".
Then continue this for all the other planets. In the end we should have a model of the solar system where the distances are to scale, and the sizes are relative (ie the Sun is the biggest, then Jupiter etc until Mercury)

Using different size and colour of balls, set them out in order size of planets, then thread string through and hang them in order of distance from Sun.

2020-04-24 11:37:04 UTC

RECEPTION clay and a balloon

2020-04-24 16:02:08 UTC

I would use homemade play dough, a very tactile material for the planets. This could be reused for each group (usually of 6) I work with. I would use a balloon for the sun if I could find a nice round one. I would place them in order in a cardboard box. I would use size and placement vocabulary. Maybe get those children able to to use the markers and card to create labels.

2020-04-25 10:55:01 UTC

Plastic balls for the planets and one ballon for the sun. Small paper rolls to show asteroids, stuck them all on a cardboard box with the help of pen.

2020-04-27 10:47:10 UTC

To explain orbits (planets moving around the sun) you could have someone holding one end of the string, standing stationary and pretending to be the sun. You could give another child the other and and get them to keep moving. They will be able to keep moving but not in a straight line, instead they will be pulled in a circle around the sun due to its gravity (the string). If you had a sensible class you could do this with all eight planets, although that's a lot of string!

2020-04-29 13:59:43 UTC

Sun – torch

Space - Cardboard box with hole at one end with the torch (sun) poking through (paint black or navy)

Planets - Modelling clay – create planets (some smaller, some bigger etc.) colour them with paint to match the planets. Use the string to attach the planets to hang from the top of the cardboard box in order from distance from the sun

I ll share a picture of solar system with students to do this activity. Planets can be made from balloons or thread balls are best ones to make it. Thin fish wire can be used for hanging. Cardboard can be used for stars and each planet will be coloured according to their physical appearance in solar system. Name tagging of planets can be done on paper which can be further pasted on cardboards.

2020-05-06 00:02:36 UTC

Science Exploration Display

2020-05-12 14:45:40 UTC

I would begin by having the students enter into a dark, cold (fan) room and allow them to discuss what they can see (how difficult or easy it is?). Then I would use a yellow balloon and torch in the centre of the room to demonstrate the importance of the sun for heat and light. After that, using the string and balls introduce the planets and their orbit around the sun, order, speed and distance from each other. The students could take it in turns to move around the sun at different speeds so it was student-led. The paper or cardboard could be used to show the stars and the clay could be molded into different shapes and sizes and painted in dark and light colours to show asteroids and the icy objects from the kuiper belt.

2020-05-13 12:36:12 UTC

Firstly, I would ask the children to tell me everything they know about the solar system and planets. I would then ask them what questions they would like to be answered to see if we can answer them during the lesson. I would have the children in small groups and they would be given a planet. They would need to research their planet and they could create them out of modelling clay so that they can understand the appearance of the planets. I would then have the children create a solar system in a cardboard box. In the middle would be a balloon with a torch shining in it to represent the sun. Then we would hang the plastic balls with string to show where the planets our in relation to the sun. We would then make the cardboard box space with stars to show the solar system.

2020-05-16 14:52:25 UTC

Modelling clay. Its easy to use.

Model of a solar system

2020-05-30 14:11:21 UTC

I would use the torch as the sun. I would use the balloons as the planets, using the pen to name each one. I would use the string to show the orbital paths of each planet of n the correct order.

2020-05-31 12:42:17 UTC

Model of the Solar System.

2020-06-01 14:18:59 UTC

Students will model the Solar System in the hall based on the investigations that we have done, They will be split into groups each representing a planet. (One person nominated to hold the Sun/torch initially). Torch will be the Sun and we will put that in the centre of the room.
Modelling clay used to make the planets, size as appropriate.
Hang from the torch with the length of the string representing the distance from the sun.
paper and pens to write the names of the planets on.
Different coloured string (using pens) to show the orbits of the planets around the Sun (torch).
Then turn this into a drama to be filmed as the students/groups each tell some facts about their planet and then they follow the orbit.

Torch could be a sun.

2020-06-04 16:29:57 UTC

Cardboard box could be space; with a hole in for pupils to look in. Modelling clay could be used to create planets. use string to suspend the planets.

Solar System Model

2020-06-07 14:13:20 UTC

Based from the given materials, it will be easy for them to make a realia of what does the solar system looks like. The torch will act as the sun and the balloons will be the planets. The modelling will work as meteors and asteroids. The strings will be uses as orbits and the paper to write on the names and the pen for writing. The cardboard box will be used to put on the realia.

Make a box model

2020-06-08 10:42:35 UTC

I would use a cardboard box to make a base and paper (coloured black or dark blue) to make the night sky). I would use nine (or ten if I want to include Pluto) plastic balls for the planets and Sun and colour them in with either pen or paint. I would also use clay to make the moons. For the finishing touch, I would add signs made of paper (coloured white) with descriptions of the planets written in pencil.

2020-06-09 09:36:53 UTC

The items listed would provide a good solar system. It would show the different sizes of the planets. The torch would be the sun.

2020-06-28 12:55:08 UTC

I would have the students match the variably sized plastic balls with their relative associated planets by size. Then each planet would be assigned to a student and we would use the string to determine a scale distance from planet to planet. An additional student would be the sun by holding the flashlight. Paper and pen would be used to make labels for each of the plastic ball planets. Modelling clay could be used to mold representations of asteroids that other students could hold in the model's asteroid belt while balloons could be used for comets in the Kuiper Belt. -Marie

Planets could be made from the modelling clay. The torch could be used to demonstrate the sun.

2020-06-30 20:01:02 UTC

I would use different sized plastic balls to represent the different planets. Also with the string this can be attached to the ceiling. Also I would add a torch to represent the sun.

2020-07-01 13:37:39 UTC

Aspects of the Solar System. C.R.

2020-07-05 15:05:27 UTC

Modelling clay: Gravity experiment with different weights

Cardboard box: Phases of the moon peephole box, Solar System diorama

Torch: Tracking the Sun’s movement across the sky/shadows changing (Earth’s rotation). Moon peephole box.

Plastic balls of varying sizes: crater investigation with dropping balls into sand, Solar system model

Paper: Paper scale model of planets, mnemonic for order of planets

String/Balloons: Balloon Rocket along a string line to address propulsion, gravity and aerodynamics concepts

I use the students themselves to represent the planets and Bode's law for the distance from the Sun and between planets. (3+3)+4. Then double the equation (3+3)x2 +4, and keep doubling the equation (3+3)x4 +4 and so on, to give students a feeling of relative distances within the Solar system. They really enjoy the participatory aspect of this exercise.

2020-07-08 13:18:31 UTC

Depending on the age of the kids i would ask them to make the planets, and teach them roughly the size of each one (relative). We would use the plastic balls for some planets and clay if we needed any smaller ones and the balloon if we needed a massive one. Maybe the balloon as the sun or the torch as the sun. Set it up like a diorama in the box and label the planet names somehow.

2020-08-13 08:55:37 UTC

Pens with lids
Modelling clay
Cardboard box
Torch
Plastic balls of varying sizes
Paper
String
Balloons

Primary Science

naleach49 — 2020-08-14 17:18:05 UTC

Give the children the resources to make the planets using scientific/maths vocab. Which do you think is the largest/smallest, twice as big/small? See their faces when they see the size of earth in relations to other planets.

the Balloons will be used to represent different planets. the strings will be attach to the balloons so that it gives an illusion of floating planets like in space. the torch will be used to represent the moon and the cardboard will be used to make the representation of the sun.

2020-08-15 08:44:10 UTC

The classroom demonstrations

2020-08-17 19:05:00 UTC

Pens with lids: comets with tails
Modelling clay: Asteroids and meteroids
Cardboard box: half cut is Asteroid belt and the other half is kuiper belt
Torch: sun
Plastic balls of varying sizes: planets of the solar system
Paper: space
String: orbit of the sun, orbits of the planets
Balloons: balloons of ice

Pens with lids: imitate the tails of different comets; help students create creative and colourful posters about the Solar System Modelling clay: used to model planets & stars with different sizes & textures & colours Cardboard box: used to create spacecraft, which can show how astronauts travel to the Solar System Torch: how the surface of the Earth changes as the Moon/the Sun shines on the Earth; Plastic balls of varying sizes: the gravity of different planets Paper: could be anything String: tie it to the end of the Balloons and empty the Ballons to imitate the movement of rockets when launching from the Earth

2020-08-18 10:35:05 UTC

2020-08-18 21:21:23 UTC

students make planets and asteroids of modelling clay. Also, I wrap paper across the ballon, they colour them. After that, they are orbiting around their mate with "sun" balloon.

So many options with these materials!

2020-08-22 17:51:30 UTC

These resources could all be used in a variety of different ways!

2020-08-27 05:44:19 UTC

i will create an activities to build a model of solar system where students will be engaged actively and fill proud for themselves at last. All these materials can be used in various ways. once i had organised a science exhibition where i helped students to build a solar system model in lay ground . People also can come there to photo shoot themselves in front of planets...

Solar System using different items

2020-08-28 05:39:31 UTC

Whole -class Approach
-I would have the children work in groups . They would blow up a balloon ,add a string and label the balloon with the given planet name. After each group have created their specific planet , we would sing a song that describes the different planets .Each group would come to the front (one at a time) and position itself in the correct position in the solar system . A child would hold the flash light at the center to represent the sun.
Through questioning, I would go over the order and characteristics of each planet .
Class project:
Each group would be given paper, card board box, pen, foam balls and clay (asteroids) create a model of the solar system and label each planet.

2020-08-28 05:43:56 UTC

lass project:

2020-08-28 05:44:01 UTC

ss project:

2020-09-15 22:29:49 UTC

I would propose children to use this materials to create planets, orbits, the sun, moon, etc. Then I would divide the class into groups and each group will represent how the earth moves, other group will focus on how planets revolves around the sun, etc. They will take active part in the activity using the materials they have created.

Take the children into the school hall, or preferably outside. They can become the model. The 'sun' holds a torch, and each of the 'planets' holds a ball, of relative size to their planet. (This would be wildly inaccurate I acknowledge!) Other children can be moons or asteroids. Saturn can hold hula hoops to signify rings, or several children could hold hands round her/him. Get them to stand at different distances from the sun, all planets revolving around it, satellites around their planets . Later you can get them making clay/ papier mache models of the objects they were representing, or research those objects.

2020-09-16 10:13:20 UTC

Solar System using creative resources

2020-09-25 09:52:49 UTC

The materials could be used to recreate your own solar system. It really would depend on the age of children and the learning outcomes you are expecting.

The Solar System

2020-10-27 16:12:01 UTC

Using the balls of different sizes or balloons could be helpful to create a 3D solar system. The activity could be taken outdoors and in groups, each of the children could hold a part(planet) of the solar system in a circle. They could move to show how the planets orbit the sun.

Solar System

2020-11-09 22:30:51 UTC

I would likely engage the children in a spot of P.E. science which involves them taking on the roles of different objects in the solar system. They might use the balls of various sizes, or just coats that are similar colours to the ones that we may expect the planets to be.

A model solar system is useful tool for future explanations but actually using a bigger area with many children playing active roles in 'being' planets, moons, suns and an asteroid belt, tends to stick more in the memory. Film it. Even better!

2020-12-02 13:55:53 UTC

These are the things that you might need to make a mock up of solar system.
Pens with lids
Modelling clay
Cardboard box
Torch
Plastic balls of varying sizes
Paper
String
Balloons
First, prepare the cardboard box then get the plastic balls it will be the planets, and the torch will be the Sun. Use pens with lids to make your planet float like in the universe. And then use the modeling clay to make an asteroids. Use string to support the plastic balls. Use the paper to make a background.

MODELLING THE SOLAR SYSTEM IN A BOX Inside the box, I would use the torch as the light source with a balloon placed on top to spread the light. Around the Sun I would arrange the planets, made from plasticene balls, in a circle, using the pens and plasticene as stands and bases. When the torch is switched on, light would reflect from the sides facing it and the other sides would be in darkness. This would demonstrate light and shadow and also day and night.

2021-02-04 14:13:07 UTC

Papier-mache Solar System

lsmith749 — 2021-02-06 22:57:36 UTC

Using balloons, PVA, newspaper and paint, I planned to create a model solar system as a class. This was to go alongside a focus on sculptures of our solar system in art. Unfortunately online teaching has limited that but I cannot wait to do it as a

Solar system

2021-02-15 20:16:27 UTC

1. Guess the size - as the students to make a model Earth 10cm in diameter. Draw chalk size estimates of other planets. Then demo real sizes.
2. Guess the distance from the Sun. Earth 1m from the Sun.
3. Move a planet - orbit times, when will you have your 1st birthday?

https://www.education.com/science-fair/article/scale-model-planets-solar-system/

I've made models of the solar system in the past but haven't given a lot of thought to relative sizes and distances. I think I would focus on this a lot more now, perhaps taking the completed models outside for a better idea of distances.

2021-02-21 18:11:07 UTC

We have some models to use but when we didn't or had to share using Melons, apples, berries etc also served their purpose.

igusmao1_1 — 2021-04-25 16:47:04 UTC

Balloons are great because you can inflate them as large as you need and they have varied colours.

Demonstrating orbits

2021-05-16 15:26:26 UTC

Could you try using the balls and balloons as planets, tied to pieces of string (to scale to represent distances) and then to the torch to represent the sun? Then get children to hold a 'planet' and use the string to orbit the sun at the right distance (so running around in concentric circles)?
There are obviously lots of other things you could focus on with these resources (e.g. comets, asteroids, relative size of planets, day and night, year length on different planets) but I thought I'd try something specifically on orbiting, which can be a tricky word/concept

Paper Mache solar system

2021-06-06 07:52:17 UTC

If I was in the position of teaching about the solar system I would use the approach my primary school teacher used. As a student, my class paper mache'd every planet in our solar system and hung them using string. I remember it as an adult so I would think that many students would also remember the experience.

EXPEDITIONS GOOGLE

2021-06-06 09:24:07 UTC

Solar System

2021-08-11 14:19:08 UTC

I would not use all the items, just the balloon, balls, clay and string. I would take the pupils to the field to demonstrate the positions, and relative sizes and distances from the sun of the various planets. In the classroom, first explain what we will do and, with help, ask the children to calculate the relative size and distance from the Sun of each planet. In small groups, the children then use the balls or using clay make the planets the correct size. They also cut a piece of string the correct length to show the distance of theri planet from the Sun. On the field and using the balloon as the Sun in at the centre of our solar system, the groups arrange themselves correctly around the Sun. They walk around the Sun to show the correct orbit direction. Video this for future reference.

The pens could be used in conjunction with the lids to make circles on which the students could create and decorate scale sized planets and the sun and using string create a horizontal line showing scaled distance from the sun. The modelling clay or plastic balls and box could be used to make a smaller solar system held together with wires. Balls of varying sizes could also be used on a larger scale (outside) to show distance and size of planets from the sun. The balloons if filled with helium could but taken outside for a pyramidal type of scaled version of the planets orbiting the largest sun balloon

2021-08-25 20:06:27 UTC

well, I use many itens to tell then histories about our universe, balloons, pictures from magazines or newspapers, books, I draw too.

2021-09-12 17:18:34 UTC

Solar System

brandyforeman1 — 2021-10-20 21:07:37 UTC

I love the idea of students getting an grasp intellectually on the size differences of objects in space. Using the various size balls can help students to understand the size relationship.

As a great way to introduce the subject, you give students clumps of modeling clay and say that they need to use the entire clump to represent the different planets in our solar system, and to try and make the size relationship fairly accurate. It is impressive how many students are aware of the vast difference in sizes (although very uncommon that they get a accurate representation that first time using the clay to show sizes)

Miniature solar system

2022-01-13 07:31:29 UTC

I make balls from clay and design them as planets and stick them to the cardboard and make orbits also from clay and stick them and name the planets on the cardboard with a black pen.

2022-07-07 12:00:55 UTC

the balls of clay and torch can be brilliant to show the day/night cycles..... just the balls in general, you can demonstrate so much about orbiting and why we have the seasons.

Solar system model

2022-08-02 13:17:45 UTC

I would use the clays to shape them as planets of different sizes and colors, put them on the cardboard and use the torch as the sun.

Solar system

2022-09-05 11:57:11 UTC

Children could use the modelling clay and plastic balls to make the planets and small meteors, comets. These could be hung in box using the string with drawn or printed images of the galaxy on the paper lining the boxes.

A SOLAR SYSTEM MODEL SHOULD BE MADE FROM ECOWASTE

2022-10-27 09:36:36 UTC

Something that I would do it is give to the students the balloons and they decorate them, them with the strings they will use to hang the planets after that we put our solar system in a high place of the classroom and make it dark. finally, we will use the torch to show them how planets round around the sun and explain them what happens when it is day and night in our planet.

2023-01-31 14:29:42 UTC

I would make use of torch as a light or brightness of the sun which can be used to show Night, wherein the shadows are created. Plastic balls can be used to represent different planets in the solar system. Strings can be used as an orbit of the planets. Modelling clays can be used to show different shapes and sizes of asteroids. We can also make use of papers to make paper balls to represent moon, planets. Card boards or card boxes can be cut in shapes to make a ring around some of the planets.

2023-03-17 10:12:02 UTC

MODEL SOLAR SYSTEM

2023-03-31 01:31:12 UTC

Firts we can start with the torch this represent the sun in the centre, the small balls of plastic re presnet the firts rocky planets, the globes represent the gigants gas planets, the box cartoon form the space, the strings is the planets orbits, the clay is for form the kuiper belt and the asteroids betl with small spheres, finally the paper it make for form the comets, and meteors and the boligraphs are a wands for explain the activity.

Great activity!

charissatan1_1 — 2023-04-13 08:31:03 UTC

The kids can use cardboard box and paint it black to make it the "base" as the outer space background.
The torch as the Sun. The different sizes of plastic balls will be the planets. Strings as the orbits, modelling clay as the asteroids, meteors and comets. The balloon as the launching rocket. The lids of the pens can be the asteroid, comet or meteor tail.

I would use the coloured modelling clay to make models of the planets and place them in order in a diorama. The torch could represent the sun or be used to shine on foil or glitter pasted on a black background to represent stars in distant galaxies.

2023-04-16 10:54:47 UTC

The solar system in the playgound

2023-05-25 18:51:14 UTC

Once the children had drawn chalk circles to represent the orbits of the planets, they walked around the circles and counted how many times they walked a complete circuit but the time Neptune had done one orbit. Worked pretty well.

The planets

2023-10-19 09:39:01 UTC

Explain to the class that the overall class project is to make a model of our solar system, but that they will each, in pairs or small groups, be making a small part of it. Show the materials available and have a whole class discussion about how to go about the project, having students vote on the best methods before listing and finalising the plan.
Students will then be divided into their groups and will pick a celestial body at random to work on.

Using the materials:

2023-10-24 17:49:57 UTC

Cardboard box= backdrop (paint it black)

Different sized balls/balloons= tie them to individual strings

Connect the ties to the box based on planet size and line up order.

Use the torch/flashlight to shine through a hole in the box.

Juggling balls in couloured silks used to through through hula hoops like shooting stars...

2023-12-28 20:23:14 UTC

Modeling clay to make planets. Sting to hang them from a box, the roof...

How to use the materials:

2024-01-23 17:46:05 UTC

I would let the students determine how to use the materials (depending on the grade of course). This use of creativity will inspire them to feel in control and also be invested in their own project.

2024-02-02 13:47:47 UTC

A cardbox to represents solar system or univers in general
Yellow ballon/ torch as a sun
String as orbit or attached above to make the balls in height
Plastic balls as planets
and finally Modelling clay as debris/asteroids etc

SOLAR SYSTEM

2024-03-25 09:09:44 UTC

We worked together for Solar System and each child decided how to make a solar system using torch, ballons and other tools.

We made some solar systems with lights or other without them, in boxes or on a board. Some of these can rotate.

2024-10-29 23:07:26 UTC

i would first cut open the cardboard box and paint it black to represent the universe. the balloon can be illuminated by the torch to represent the sun. the gas giants and ice giants can be represented by the larger plastic balls and the inner rocky planets can be represented by the smaller plastic balls. lastly, the modelling clay can be broken up into pieces to create comets and asteroids.

all these can be lined up on the cardboard box to represent what is inside a solar system

Solar System modelling in primary classrooms

2025-04-06 02:59:44 UTC

Depending on the level of the class, I'd introduce the topic with some open ended questions e.g. why does it get dark at night? I'd get the students to brainstorm with a partner then add their thoughts to a Padlet. I'd see how much they already know.

I'd show a video to model the relationships. Ted Asks; What happens in a year? is a good one. https://youtu.be/paLyVIfh6uw?si=MINGUebYOzMvSCG4

We would discuss the points in the video.

Then I'd show the class the materials available and ask them to think about how they could use any or all to model the relationship between the sun, moon and earth.

The students would work in small groups to research. plan and make a model of the sun, moon and earth and their relationships and movement. Come together to share as a whole class at the end. This activity would run over several sessions. Any space in the classroom would be available to hang models or they could make a diorama using the box. It would be up to my students to decide how to use the materials available.