General Scientists use models everyday. Models can be conceptual, mathematical, and scale. Scale models are a concept with which students are already familiar in the context of model toys, maps, and globes. Scale models allow students to explore systems with scales from the microscopic to the astronomical that are beyond the realm of normal human experience. Mathematics Scale models utilize fractions, decimals, ratios, and proportions.
Scale models allow students to make a connection between physical objects and mathematical concepts.
Scale models provide a concrete, hands-on, method of exploring the nature of our solar system in a classroom setting. Scale Model Solar System matches the following Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics Science and math are intimately related, and it is difficult, it not impossible, to study the physical sciences without using math to some degree. This activity meets a wide variety of content standards in mathematics, and is as much a math activity as a science activity. Meg feels flattened like a paper doll. Have students draw what they think such a planet would look like.