Remember, the calculated scale distances indicate radial distances to the planets, and because the planets orbit, the actual size needed for a scale model that allows for the placement of a planet anywhere in the model will be twice the calculated radial distance of the most distant planet. Or use a space with known measurements (e.g., a football field or basketball court). Determine how much space students have to work with by measuring an open area at the school using an online mapping tool. Make sure students correct any automatic changes, or use absolute cell references (e.g., $B$4) instead of relative cell references (e.g., B4) when linking to the same cell in pasted formulas. However, most spreadsheet software will paste using relative cell values, meaning the values will change and the calculated results could be incorrect. 
Students may realize they can copy and paste formulas from cell to cell in spreadsheets. You may choose to have students look up the information on their own and input it into a blank spreadsheet. 
Data is provided in both Microsoft Excel spreadsheets (XLSX) and comma-separated-value (CSV) files that can be opened in spreadsheets. 
Figure out which system of units your students will use: metric (SI) or U.S. More information about astronomical units can be found in the Background section below. Depending on student abilities, consider using astronomical units (au) for distances instead of kilometers or miles. Decide in advance if students will calculate scale distance from the Sun to the planets, scale size of planets or both. Scale Size and Distance spreadsheet – download XLSX or download CSV Management Scale Size spreadsheet – download XLSX OR download CSV Scale Distance spreadsheet – download XLSX OR download CSV Solar System Sizes and Distances reference guide – download PDF Spreadsheet software (e.g., Excel or Sheets)ĭistance markers (cones, ground stakes, etc.) MaterialsĮxample not-to-scale images of the solar system Using spreadsheet software, students will determine the size of and/or distances between planets on a solar system model that fits on a playground. 
Go to Student Project OverviewIn this activity, students use scale, proportion and/or ratios to develop a scale solar system calculator.
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