Printable
Solar System Scale Walk
Pace out the planets along a path or beach using the printed scale card. Nothing explains astronomical distance like walking for ten minutes to reach Neptune.
Ages
9-11, 11-14
Level
Upper KS2, KS3
Subject
Science
Duration
75 min
What you'll need
- Printed scale cards
- Tape measure or step counter
- Open space
What the learner will explore
- Scale and ratio
- The planets
- Distance in space
How to do it
- 1
Set the Sun at your starting point.
- 2
Walk the printed number of paces to each planet and place its card.
- 3
Look back at the Sun from Neptune.
- 4
Record what surprised you.
Make it easier
Use the inner planets only, in a garden.
Make it harder
Recalculate the scale for a different distance and prove your maths.
Try it differently
Do it on a bike ride, or as chalk marks along a pavement.
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