CBSE Book Class 8 Science Activity Making a Solar System Model

STARS AND THE SOLAR SYSTEM

The eight planets of the solar system come in a wide range of sizes, with the Earth near the middle. From  Earth it is difficult to understand the sizes of these planets. Do you know that it would take 1,300 Earths  to make one Jupiter? Making this model of the Solar System will show you the sizes of the planets to scale.  The Sun, the centre of the solar system, is not a part of this model because of its enormous size. If it is to  be included here, it would need to be 4m in diameter! Get into groups as it will be fun to make it with your  friends. So collect all the items you need and get started to create a solar system on Earth.

What to do: 

1.  Draw two circles for each planet, using a compass or a string and a pencil to make them the right size. The size that you need to take is as follows:Mercury-1cm: Venus-4cm; Earth- 4cm; Mars- 2cm; Jupiter-  48cm;  Saturn-  38cm;  Uranus-  20cm; Neptune- 20cm; 

2.  Cut out the circles you have drawn. You should have 16 circles in all. Make a cut from the edge to the centre point of each circle. 

3.  Take  the  two  circles  for  each  planet  and  slip  the two circles along the slits so that they fit into each other at right angles. 

4.  Make a small hole at the top of each planet and tie a thread through it.

5.  Tie a thick rope tightly across your classroom. 

6.  Tie these planets to this rope in the correct order of their distance from the Sun.Leave enough space in between them.

Your solar system model is now ready. Isn't the difference in their sizes amazing? This  does not show to scale the actual distance of the planets from the Sun or from each other. 

Please refer to the link below - CBSE Class 8 Science Activity Making a Solar System Model