Lesson Plan

Planetary Distances on the Playground

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet
This Planetary Distances on the Playground lesson plan also includes:

There's no need to stay inside; get out of the classroom and create a scaled map of the solar system on your playground field! In collaborative groups, scholars identify the distance between the sun and other planets, place planet markers in their proper spot, and then take part in a grand conversation to discuss their observations. 

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CCSS: Adaptable
NGSS: Adaptable
Additional Tags
Instructional Ideas
  • Check the playground schedule to plan the best time of day without the fewest distractions to implement the activity outside 
  • Allow two pupils to represent the sun if learners do not wish to stand by themselves 
  • Check for understanding and reflect on the day's actiity with a variety of questions posed on a classroom blog 
Classroom Considerations
  • The resource is the last in a series of 10 lesson plans that explore our solar system
  • Requires copies 
Pros
  • The lesson encourages class members to physically take part in an activity 
  • The mathematical computation allows general pacing since every playground surface is different 
Cons
  • None
Common Core
NGSS