There's no need to stay inside; get out of the classroom and create a scaled map of the solar system on your playground field! In collaborative groups, scholars identify the distance between the sun and other planets, place planet markers in their proper spot, and then take part in a grand conversation to discuss their observations. 

Concepts

the solar system, planets, inner planets, outer planets, outer space, distance, scale, map scales

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Check the playground schedule to plan the best time of day without the fewest distractions to implement the activity outside 
• Allow two pupils to represent the sun if learners do not wish to stand by themselves 
• Check for understanding and reflect on the day's actiity with a variety of questions posed on a classroom blog 

Classroom Considerations

• The resource is the last in a series of 10 lesson plans that explore our solar system
• Requires copies 

Pros

• The lesson encourages class members to physically take part in an activity 
• The mathematical computation allows general pacing since every playground surface is different 

Cons

• None

Common Core

4.MD.A.2