Toilet Paper Solar System PDF
Toilet Paper Solar System PDF
Toilet Paper Solar System PDF
How big is our Solar System? The sheer size of space is often hard to express but in
this fun playground activity the distance of each planet from the Sun can be
demonstrated using toilet paper!
Evidence Idea: Why not take a photo of your toilet paper Solar System?
Learning Intention
We are learning how far from the Sun the planets in our Solar System are.
Task
We are going to create a scale model of our Solar System using toilet role to demonstrate the relative
distances between the Sun and each planet.
Success Criteria
• Pupils will be able to work collaboratively to create an accurate scale model of our Solar System.
• Pupils will be able to demonstrate an understanding of how massive our Solar System is.
• Pupils will know the order of the planets relative to their distance from the Sun.
CfE Capacities
Successful learners:
• With enthusiasm and motivation for learning, combining communication and numeracy in a
creative way.
• Able to engage with more abstract mathematical concepts and develop important new kinds of
thinking.
Responsible citizens:
• Developing knowledge and understanding of our world and its place in the Solar System.
Effective contributors:
CfE Outcomes
Numeracy and Mathematics – Shape, position and movement (Angle, symmetry and
transformation)
Having investigated where, why and how scale is used and expressed, I can apply my understanding to
interpret simple models, maps and plans. MTH 2-17d
Description
This is great as an outdoor activity; it does require a lot of space but you could always work in the
corridors of your school (if they are long enough!). Why not invite other classes to come view the final
result?
The table below gives you the average (mean) distance from the Sun for each planet, along with the
number of sheets of toilet roll (to the nearest whole number) required to model this distance where 1 sheet
is the equivalent of 10 million km! Depending on the ability of the pupils, you could provide this
information in its raw form (as below), round the numbers up or down or even challenge the pupils to come
up with a suitable scale themselves.
Working in groups, pupils should be given a roll of toilet paper, each planet (either a blow-up planet or a
picture of the planet) and a Sun. Pupils can then unravel the correct amount of toilet roll to show the
relative distance from the Sun for each planet in turn. Once each distance is measured out, a pupil should
hold the planet at the correct toilet roll sheet.
Taking a photograph at the end allows you to display the model on a computer screen while back in the
classroom. Discussions around the size of the Solar System can then take place using the photo as a
visual aid.
Mean distance from Number of Sheets from Number of sheets from
Object Sun (km) Sun previous object
Mercury 57,909,175 6 6
Venus 108,208,930 11 5
Earth 149,597,890 15 4
Mars 227,936,640 23 8
Jupiter 778,412,020 78 55
Saturn 1,426,752,400 140 62
Uranus 2,870,972,200 290 150
Neptune 4,498,252,900 450 160
Pluto 5,906,380,000 590 140
Web Resources
Get in touch at [email protected] and let us know how it went. Remember to visit the
website regularly for further activities as we are constantly working on novel content to enhance your
Dynamic Earth experience both pre and post visit.