Students will learn about our Solar System and the similarities and differences between each of the planets and our own.
Session 1: Have students gather outside in a field or in a gymnasium. Have one student represent the Sun and each of the planets, then have each students select a ball or marble representing his or her object, then line up in order and approximate distance from one another. Correct any inaccuracies and discuss.
Have additional students stand around the planets representing satellites. When students are in place, set the system in motion!
Session 2: Discuss what students learned from the previous session’s exercise and clear up any questions. Ask if students know how the planets and satellites stay in orbit. Address satellites of other planets and the importance of gravity, as discussed in session 9 on Invisible Astronomy.
Break into groups and assign each group to a planet. Have kids study a planet, either in groups or individually, using books or internet resources and come up with 1-4 sentences about the planet, some interesting fact that hasn’t been discussed yet. Facts will be included in calendar.
