In this spreadsheet, students are able to construct a scale diagram of the solar system based on the diameter of the sun.
Lesson Plans:
1. Have students research the actual distances and diameters of the plantes in the solar system.
2. Have students select a scale for the sun, and ask them to complete a table showing the scaled distances and diameters based on the size of the sun they selected.
3. Students will create the sun as they described, and then discuss where and how large the other planets would need to be.
4. Using the spreadsheet above, have students create scale diagrams to fit on the following surfaces:
*8 1/2" x 11" paper
*Football field
*School campus
*City
*State
5. Upon completion of this activity students should see the relavtive sizes of all of the planets, and they should be able to conclude that the solar system is made up primarily of empty space.