Solar System Scale-Up Adventure

Learning Goals & Products

Learning Goals

Students will be able to identify the Sun and eight planets and describe simple patterns in their order and features.

Students will be able to measure and compare planet sizes and distances using nonstandard units to make a scale model.

Students will be able to use labels, color, shape, and simple science vocabulary to create a clear solar system display that communicates information to others.

Products

individual

Planet Research Sketch and Labeled Fact Card Set

Each student creates a research sketch and one labeled fact card page for a chosen planet using museum photos, class notes, and teacher-supported observations. The work shows what the planet is like, where it belongs in the solar system, and one measurement or comparison that supports the model.

team

Classroom Solar System Scale Model Display with Poster and Planet Fact Cards

Small groups build a low-tech solar system display with a scale model, poster, and shared fact cards for the Sun and eight planets. The display must show accurate order, relative size or distance, and clear visual labels, and it must be ready to explain to visitors during the gallery walk.

Rubric

Competency Progression Rubric Competency-first rubric

Category	Learning Goal	Stage 1	Stage 2	Stage 3	Stage 4
Deeper Learning Competencies	Collaboration	I can work with a partner or small group to share ideas about planet order, size, and distance and take turns using the group materials during planning and building.	I can collaborate with my group by taking a clear job, listening to others’ ideas, and making simple shared decisions about what to include on our solar system model, poster, and fact cards.	I can collaborate to solve problems as we build by suggesting how our model and labels will be clearer and more accurate (using planet parts and patterns), and I can help the group adjust our plan when something doesn’t fit.	I can lead collaboration by helping my group organize tasks, resolve disagreements respectfully, and explain how our final model and display meet the problem (an accurate, clear solar system) using evidence from our sketches, measurements, and labels.
Deeper Learning Competencies	Critical Thinking & Problem Solving	I can make a simple plan for my solar system model after looking at museum photos and facts, and I can use one measurement idea (like counting paper spaces or using the same nonstandard unit) to place planets in order with help.	I can choose between at least two ways to show planet order, relative size, or distance in my group model, and I can measure and compare using nonstandard units to support my decisions in my planning sketch.	I can improve our model by solving problems that come up (like planets not fitting or labels not matching), using data from my measurements and revising my sketch or display so it is more accurate and clear.	I can independently test different design choices for our solar system model, explain why the approach works best using evidence from measurements and observations, and refine our final poster, labels, and model shape to better solve the “accurate and clear” challenge.
Deeper Learning Competencies	Effective Communication	I can share what I notice about the Sun and planets using a few simple words and labels (like name or color) during group talk or when showing my plan.	I can explain how my group’s model and fact cards show planet order, relative size, or distance using details from our photos and facts (like “first,” “bigger,” or “farther”).	I can clearly present my group’s display by describing key parts (name, key feature) and using science vocabulary to connect our measurements and drawings to how our solar system model is accurate and clear.	I can communicate with empathy by listening to visitors or classmates, responding to feedback during the gallery walk, and revising my explanation to include new planet facts and strengthen our team’s message.