By Regina Edwards Updated Aug 30, 2022
In science classes, students quickly grasp that planets orbit the Sun. Constructing a hands‑on model that includes the Sun, eight planets, and Pluto reinforces this concept and lets students practice naming and sequencing the planets in a visual, tactile way. Depending on the age group, the model can be highly detailed or simply illustrate relative distances from the Sun. For an extra spark, teachers can reference the iconic scene from "E.T." where the alien creates a miniature solar system.
Prepare labels: write "Sun" and the names of each planet on separate strips of masking tape and set them aside. Cut nine bamboo skewers to the following lengths for proportional spacing: 2.5″, 4″, 5″, 6″, 7″, 8″, 10″, 11.5″ and 14″. Lay the skewers in order of length for easy identification.
Attach the "Sun" label to the largest plastic foam ball (6″ or larger) and label each of the smaller balls with their respective planet names. If desired, paint each ball before attaching the label to add visual appeal.
Insert the 2.5″ skewer into the Sun ball. Gently push the Mercury ball onto the free end of the skewer.
Insert the next longest skewer into the Sun ball and attach the Venus ball to its free end. Repeat with the third skewer for Earth.
Continue the process for the remaining skewers, keeping planetary order: Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto.
If desired, secure a string to the center Sun ball so the entire model can be hung on a wall.
Use different‑size balls for better perspective: Mercury 1″, Venus & Earth 1.5″, Mars & Pluto 1.25″, Neptune 2″, Uranus 2.5″, Saturn 3″, Jupiter 4″. Cut rings from construction paper for Saturn’s rings and draw an equatorial guide on the Sun to evenly space the skewers.
