A student wants to draw a scale model of the solar system. In three to four sentences or bullet points, explain what steps should be taken to create this model (its worth 4 points)

1 answer

1. Determine the scale: Decide on a suitable scale that allows the student to represent the vast distances in the solar system in a manageable size. For example, using a scale of 1 inch = 1 million miles can make the model more comprehensible.

2. Research and gather data: Gather accurate measurements of the planets' sizes and distances from the Sun. It is essential to use reliable sources, such as NASA or reputable astronomy books, to ensure the model's accuracy.

3. Determine the size of the Sun: Decide on an appropriate size for the Sun that is proportionate to the scale. For example, if using a scale of 1 inch = 1 million miles, the Sun's size should be scaled down accordingly.

4. Create the model: Using materials such as foam balls, clay, or paper mache, create spherical representations of each planet, making sure to scale down their sizes according to the chosen scale. Place the planets in their respective orbits around the Sun, using the accurate distances from the gathered data.