- Further comprehension of the vast distances and relative sizes associated with the solar system
 

Using the table data from the previous activity, calculate the relative sizes of the Sun and planets based on the Sun being sized as a large exercise ball (approximately 80 cm diameter).

Under teacher supervision, beginning on a soccer or baseball field, ideally that then can align with the edge of a roadway, position students with appropriate spheres and signage at calculated distances to represent the size and location of the planets.

(Note that although the inner planets may land on the playing field, the orbits of further planets, and finally Pluto will be located several kilometers away.)

Video the trip from Sun to Pluto for viewing later.

-  Long measuring tape, or ideally playing field measuring wheel.

- Large exercise ball; tennis ball (Jupiter), large marbles (Uranus/Neptune), beads or bearings of appropriate sizes (Earth/Venus) appropriate tiny objects for smaller planets.

- Alternately, students could make up scaled planet models of appropriate sizes based on the exercise ball Sun.

- Video camera & tape (pref. digital)

- Continuing participation

- Comments in Journals on the experience and new understanding