Planets To-Scale Learning Activity

Planets To-Scale Learning ActivityThe Purpose of this Activity:The distances in our solar system are enormous! Even when the planets are scaled down to fit into the palm of our hand, the distances between them are still quite a chore to hike. This activity is designed to illustrate just how vast the distances in our solar system are.In this activity you will carry 3D-printed models of the planets to their scaled distances away from the sun. Students will be able to hold the tiny planets in their hands before walking the distances associated with each model. This is a great way for students to internalize how truly vast the cosmos is.👉 Don't forget to like, follow, boost!Materials:Sunlu PLA: https://amzn.to/4bMzOTm*Affiliate Link - I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase.Check out the video to see a timelapse of the model setup!https://youtube.com/shorts/DdZ-nNmHfbsMapping Out the ActivityYou will want to plan to set up on a walking-trail or at a large park. Somewhere there is about 1.5 km of walking distance available. I chose a long, straight sidewalk near where I live.Before the activity starts, find the area on Google Maps (or any other map website) and use the distance measuring tool to mark out landmarks where planets should be placed. You can also just use a GPS or other tools on-site to measure the distances. Printing the Planets:Obviously, you’ll need to print the planets before the activity starts. This can be a fun activity for students as well! Decide whether you are going to assemble a whole Sun or just print a chunk of it. It is a big commitment to print it all! I recommend ONLY printing one hollowed-out chunk of the sun! The single sliver of it should be enough to demonstrate scale. (The Whole Sun, even at only 10% infill would take almost 6.5 Kg of filament.)Recommended Settings:I wanted to avoid support and assembly, so the bottoms of the planets have been flattened out just a little to allow the spheres to print.Mercury is very small; i