MAKE YOUR OWN SOLAR SYSTEM

Introduction
SCITECH are running an incredible competition to see which year 5 student at
Dunsborough Primary School is able to create the most accurate Solar System out of
recycled and re-usable materials. SCITECH want to see a creative design that will be
displayed in their Solar System exhibition to teach other year 5 students all about the
Sun, the Earth and the other planets.
Brief
You are on a mission to design and construct your own Solar System! SCITECH
want to be amazed with your knowledge of the the Earth, the Sun and the other
planets in our Solar System. It is time to begin!

Generating designs

In pairs, consider everything you should include in your Solar System design. Remember, SCITECH want to see all of
our planets as well as the Sun in your design. Are there other space objects you could include in your model?
Write down all of your ideas on butcher paper to share with the class.

Investigating
Step 1: For one minute, brainstorm different resources you would like to use for your Solar System.
Step 2: Share your ideas with three other class members and create a mind map of resources you could use. If you
get stuck, look behind the paper on the board for some clues.
Step 3: We are now going to explore all the resources collected at the front of the class room that we could use to
create the Solar Systems. We will also discuss resources we could bring from home and collect from the school
canteen.

Project Specifications Project Management

Individually, using the resources you have collected, you will now Step 1
create your Solar System for the SCITECH competition. When you are Introduction to SCITECH competition and the design brief task.
creating your Solar System, you must consider the following: Step 2
How many planets are in our Solar System? Think, Pair, Share and collect recycled and re-usable materials.
In what order should I place the planets in my Solar System? Step 3
Are all planets the same size? Make your own Solar System!
What other space objects do I need to include in my Solar System? Step 4
Evaluation and presentation

Evaluation Time

You are now going to evaluate your design
process. Using a self-evaluation form, analyse
your ability to include all planets and to
demonstrate the relative size of and location
between the Earth, the Sun and the other
planets.
You will have eight lessons to
create your Solar System. The
final lesson will also include time
for you to evaluate and present
your Solar System design.

Presentation

You are going to display your Solar System on your desk and we are going to have a classroom
learning journey to explore each student's design. In groups of three, you will then explain your
design and why you chose specific materials. In your presentation you must include:
The recycled and re-usable materials you have used.
The planets you have included in your model.
Why you have chosen certain sized objects for each planet.
The order of the planets in relation to the Sun.
One part of your design you would do differently next time.
After your presentation, your two classmates will complete a peer evaluation form, analysing
the overall accuracy of your Solar System.