Context

The Solar System is a small part of the Milky Way, one of trillions of galaxies in the universe. It is composed of the Sun, which is the central star, the planets that orbit around the Sun, the planets' satellites, asteroids, comets, meteoroids, and interplanetary space. The solar system is divided into two parts: the inner planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars), also called rocky or terrestrial planets; and the outer planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune), also known as gas giant planets. Between Mars and Jupiter, a region called the asteroid belt contains thousands of asteroids.

Earth, our planet, is the third closest planet to the Sun and also the fifth largest in the solar system. It is the only known planet to support life, although other planets may have conditions for it. Understanding the composition and structure of the solar system helps us understand our own origin and how far we could go in the future.

Introduction and Importance

Why study the Solar System? Walking on the Moon, sending probes to Mars, observing the transit of Venus and the rings of Saturn, all these fascinating astronomical projects are based on our fundamental understanding of the Solar System. Since ancient times, man has looked to the sky to understand the phenomena around him. The earliest civilizations used the positions of the planets, the moon, and the sun to measure time. Today, the study of the Solar System helps us understand the origin of the universe, the development of life on Earth, and future prospects for space exploration.

In addition to scientific curiosity, the study of the Solar System has direct practical applications in everyday life. Geolocation, for example, essential for many of our technological devices, depends on understanding the orbits of satellites around Earth. By observing other planets, we can learn more about our own, such as how climate change and natural disasters work.

Practical Activity: 3D Model of the Solar System

Project Objective

Create and present a three-dimensional model of the Solar System, highlighting the key characteristics of each planet and its arrangement in relation to the Sun. The final result of the project will be a physical model, such as a mock-up, and a detailed report of the construction and learning.

Detailed Project Description

The activity consists of creating a three-dimensional mock-up of our Solar System, taking into account the relative size, colors, and relative distance between the planets and the Sun. Each planet should be represented with its main characteristics, such as the existence of rings or moons. One should also consider the composition of the planet (whether it is rocky or gaseous), as well as its location in the Solar System (inner or outer planet). The sun, as the main element of the Solar System, should be centralized in the mock-up.

Required Materials

The necessary materials may vary depending on the group's approach, but an initial suggested list of possible materials is as follows:

1. Cardboard or styrofoam (for the model base)
2. Styrofoam balls, in different sizes (representing the planets and the Sun)
3. Colored dyes or acrylic paints (for painting the styrofoam balls)
4. Skewers (to fix the planets on the base)
5. Tape measure or ruler (to measure distances)
6. Hot or regular glue
7. Markers or colored pens

Step-by-Step Guide for Activity Execution

1. Research: Start by researching the Solar System and its components. Each group member should be responsible for one or more planets and the Sun.

2. Planning: Sketch the model, marking the relative positions of the planets and the Sun.

3. Construction: Paint the styrofoam balls according to the characteristics of each planet and the Sun. Assemble the solar system on the base, following the planning.

4. Report: In parallel with the model construction, students should write a detailed report of the entire process.

5. Presentation: Finally, present the model and the report to the class and the teacher.

Project Deliverables and Detailed Written Document

Students will deliver the three-dimensional model, accompanied by a detailed report of the process. The report should connect with the practice carried out and contain the following topics:

1. Introduction: The student should contextualize the theme, its relevance, and real-world application, as well as the objective of this project.

2. Development: Explain the theory behind the central theme of the project (Solar System), detail the activity, indicate the methodology used, and finally present and discuss the results obtained. At this point, summarize the stages of model construction and the main characteristics of the solar system that were researched and represented in the model.

3. Conclusions: The student should revisit their main points, explaining the learnings obtained and the conclusions drawn about the project. A discussion should be presented on the discoveries and information learned during the research and model construction.

4. Bibliography: Indicate the sources on which they relied to work on the project such as books, web pages, videos, etc.

Students will be evaluated both on the model and the report, with a special emphasis on the research conducted, the information learned, and how they worked as a team.