NASA Glenn Videoconference: Space and the Solar System
Pre-Conference Activity (HS): If so instructed by your teacher, print out a worksheet page for this activity.

Visualizing the size and dimensions of the solar system is a formidable task for anyone. This activity will aid students in the internalizing the enormity of space through the use of math and inquiry skills. A hula hoop that is 1 meter in diameter will represent the sun and serve as the base model in the scale system. The planets will be constructed from salt dough that is made outside of school by assigned students.

Materials Needed:

Ruler (and meter stick)
String
Hula hoop (with 1 meter diameter)
Maps
Worksheet
Calculator
Salt dough made outside of school with the following recipe:

Salt Dough

2 cups of flour	2 cups of water
1 cup of salt	4 tablespoons oil
4 teaspoons of cream of tartar	Food coloring for desired color

1. Mix together the flour, salt, cream of tartar, and water.
2. Heat the oil in a saucepan.
3. Add the mixed ingredients to the heated oil. Cook for three minutes stirring constantly.
4. Drop the ball of dough on waxed paper until it is cool enough to handle.
5. Add a few drops of green or red food coloring and knead the dough.
6. Wrap the play dough in plastic wrap and store it in a plastic container or keep it refrigerated.

Procedure:

1. Working in groups of 4 or 5, research (using the Planetary Factsheet found at http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/factsheet/index.html) and then record each planet's "Diameter" and "Distance from the Sun" in the worksheet provided.
   
   
2. Complete the Scale Model of the Solar System worksheet:

a. Calculate the circumference for each planet using the conversion factor provided in the table and record the value in the "Scale Model Size" column of the table.

b. Using the same conversion factor, calculate the distance of each planet in relation to the sun and record that value in the "Scale Distance" column.

3. Using the salt dough and the scale model size values you calculated, construct clay spheres that represent the planets.
   
   
4. With the class, go outside and measure the scale distance of the inner planets (Mercury, Venus, and Mars).
   
   
5. On a map of your area, imagine that your school is the sun. Use a compass to draw circles representing the average distances the outer planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, Uranus, and Pluto) are from the sun.
   

You are now ready to participate in the Space and the Solar System videoconference. After the videoconference, complete the post-conference activity and assessment.

Please send any comments to:
Web site related: Curator
Content related: Joe Kolecki (Joseph.C.Kolecki@grc.nasa.gov)