How do you put something as large as the universe in perspective? Use a series of scale experiments. Classmates collaborate around four experiments to examine the scale of the earth-moon system, our solar system, the Milky Way galaxy, and stars throughout the universe. Thoughtful questions included in each procedure guide learning and provoke critical thinking.

Concepts

scale, the universe, stars, planets, the earth, the moon, galaxies, measuring tools, making observations

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Provide models of the solar system to younger learners to help with visualizing distance
• Use the bonus questions to stimulate class discussions around experimental results

Classroom Considerations

• Pupils should have some prior knowledge of the placement of heavenly bodies within the universe
• Place class members in groups of two to three

Pros

• Teachers can modify all four experiments to include different age groups
• The experiments examine four different levels of scale, beginning with the earth-moon system and ending with the scale of individual stars in our vast universe

Cons

• None

Common Core

7.G.A.1 HSN-Q.A.1