Use the following lithographs to envision the scale of our solar system. View different models of planets at different scales, an infographic about the relative sizes of the planets and distance from the sun, and images of the largest...

A simulation illustrating Ptolemy's geometrical system of explaining the varying speeds and directions of the planets, sun, and moon.

Learners compare various options for purchasing new home appliances by comparing the energy usage of more efficient models to less energy efficient models. They calculate the payback period in cases for which the purchase price for the...

Teach the concept of scale models and the size of the solar system through this extensive lesson plan. Students will learn about scale models, estimate which objects to use to create a scale model of Earth and Sun, and figure out how far...

An activity where students build a scale model of the solar system based on a marble they pick from a bowl. After choosing a marble that represents Earth, students must calculate the size of the other planets and the sun. Site includes...

Higher temperatures are only part of the climate-change forecast. Are current extreme weather events a sign that warming is already here? What do climate models forecast for weather around the globe? Why is it so hard to predict the...

In this lesson plan site, students are asked to construct a scale model of the planets to help visualize the relative size of planets and their relative distance from the Sun. Links are provided to the Sun and the planets which contain...

This activity will help your students comprehend the huge scales of time and space by using familiar objects. You can explore the massive distances of our Solar System using scale models made out of string. Included is a scale model of...

A podcast explaining a model of the solar system which students can visualize, or even try to recreate. [1:38]

In this activity you will model the population growth of these new "multipliers" on our planet.

Work samples, phenomena, assessment templates, and videos that directly address standard MS-ESS1-3: scale properties in the solar system.

Seven hands-on lessons module where students learn about our dynamic planet. These inquiry-based explorations investigate scientific models, earthquakes and seismic waves, Earth's interior, Earth movements, the lithosphere, plate...

This site from Open Source Physics offers a file with a simulation of Kepler's theory of planetary motion, tested with the Earth rotating around the sun and another planet of the user's choosing. The download requires Java.

An article about the Planetary Science Institutes's advanced computer software, which it uses to model the way the solar system may have formed. Includes some insights into the results already obtained.

Check out this simple overview of the water cycle and learn how to build a model of the water cycle.

Explains what the slope-intercept form is and how to find the equation of a line given two points on it. Includes modeled video lesson. [3:32]

The purpose of this activity is to use scaling in order to give students an idea of the size of Mars in relation to the Earth and the Moon as well as the distance between them. The students will have to calculate dimensions of the scaled...

Demonstrates how to calculate the area of two-dimensional shapes using formulas. Covers parallelogram, triangle, trapezoid, and circle. Includes a video modeling how to find the area of a circle and a triangle. [0:59]

In this instructional activity from "The Friends of Auntie Litter", (www.auntielitter.org), food webs and their significance will be explored. This instructional activity is one from the "Take Pride Statewide" series. *Lesson provided by...

In this activity, "You will investigate the concepts of relative size and distance by creating a basic model of our solar system." Planet printouts are provided and this site contains related links.

An easy-to-read description and history of Ptolemy's geocentric model of the universe. Geocentric means that Ptolemy believed the Earth was the center of the universe.

Students review the sizes of planets and their order relative to the Sun. They then learn about astronomical uses and create a model of the solar system that reflects planetary distances. Includes handouts and worksheets as well as a...

Experience the solar system as you've never seen it before; up close and personal. Visit each planet by clicking on it, then selecting the play button to track its rotations through the calendar year. Watch the constellations move...

Our home, Earth, is a living planet. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are proof that the geological forces that shaped our planet and created the land masses are ongoing. An amazing example of geologic activity that is less damaging is...