Solar System Scale Model Activity
Learning Objective: Pupils can create a scale model of the solar system and understand relative distances
About this resource
This engaging KS2 science activity for Year 5 allows pupils to construct a scale model of the solar system, fostering a deeper understanding of the vast distances between planets. Teachers can use this hands-on resource to illustrate relative planetary sizes and orbits, directly supporting the National Curriculum's focus on Earth and Space. It provides a practical and memorable way for children to visualise our cosmic neighbourhood.
Activity Overview
50 minutesPupils work in groups to create a scale model of the solar system in the school playground or hall, using everyday objects for planets and measuring real distances to understand the vast scale of space.
Planet Sizes (using fruit/objects)
Using a basketball as the Sun:
- Mercury: peppercorn (1m away)
- Venus: cherry tomato (2m away)
- Earth: cherry tomato (2.5m away)
- Mars: peppercorn (4m away)
- Jupiter: grapefruit (13m away)
- Saturn: orange (25m away)
- Uranus: plum (50m away)
- Neptune: plum (78m away)
Instructions
- Place the 'Sun' (basketball) at one end of the playground
- Each group is responsible for one planet
- Measure the correct distance from the Sun
- Place your planet object at the correct position
- Create a fact card for your planet to display next to it
- Walk the full solar system — notice how far apart the outer planets are!
Follow-up Questions
- Which planet is closest to the Sun?
- Which planet is furthest away?
- What surprised you about the distances?
- Why is space travel to the outer planets so difficult?
- If you could visit one planet, which would you choose and why?
Differentiation
SEN Support
Paired with a buddy. Simplified fact card template. Visual distance markers.
EAL Support
Planet picture cards with names. Key vocabulary: orbit, distance, scale. Paired measurement.
Gifted & Talented
Calculate the actual distances in kilometres. Research how long it would take to travel to each planet at different speeds.
Key Vocabulary
Assessment Criteria
- Can name the planets in order
- Can explain relative distances
- Can work collaboratively to build a model