Scale Models of the Solar System

This model shows...

• the size differences among the planets accurately.

• the distances between the planets accurately.

• both the sizes of the planets and the distances between them accurately

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

Why do scientists use scale models to study the Solar System?

• The solar system is too large to study without using models

• The solar system is too small to study without using models

• Scientists don't need to use models because we have satellites

• All of these options are true

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

A student made a model of how the planets orbit the sun. She used a tennis ball to represent the sun. She used ping-pong balls to represent each planet and painted each one a different color. Then, she placed all the ping-pong balls equal distances apart in a line extending out from the sun. What are two limitations of the student's model? (Limitations are things about the model that limit its accuracy.)

• She used the same size balls to represent the planets.

• She made planets orbit the sun.

• The planets are not the correct distances from the sun.

• The solar system can't be modeled using actual objects.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

Why is making a model of the solar system difficult?

• Don't have the right materials

• The solar system is so big and the objects in it are so small in comparison

• There are too many parts in a model

• Because the science concepts are too difficult

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

What scale does this model represent?

• scaled size or diameter

• scaled distance to the sun

• Scaled gravity

• Scaled motion

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

What is a scale model in the context of the solar system?

• A representation that maintains the relative sizes and distances of celestial bodies

• A model that shows only the sizes of planets

• A model that shows only the distances between planets

• A model that uses real celestial bodies

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

Which of the following is a benefit of using scale models to study the solar system?

• They allow for hands-on learning and visualization

• They provide exact measurements of celestial bodies

• They eliminate the need for telescopes

• They can replace space missions

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

In a scale model of the solar system, if the Earth is represented by a marble, what might the Sun be represented by?

• A beach ball

• A tennis ball

• A basketball

• A golf ball

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

Why is it important to maintain scale in models of the solar system?

• To accurately represent the relative sizes and distances

• To make the model look more appealing

• To simplify the model

• To ensure the model is portable

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

What is a common challenge when creating a scale model of the solar system?

• Finding a large enough space to represent distances

• Choosing the right colors for planets

• Deciding the order of planets

• Selecting materials for the model

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3