Learning Resources® Far Out!™ Solar System Mapping Tool, 6" x 6", Grades 2-6

This was an excellent resource for a whole class activity! I used it with 3rd grade students, but I could see it being appropriate for grades 1-8, depending on how much discussion you give to the topic. I have previously done this activity by having the students measure and stand in certain spots across the school's field, but this took out a lot of the hassle, and helped the students to quickly understand where the planets are in relation to one other, and the visual representation with the downloadable planet posters was terrific!

Space is big. Like, really, really, big! Most adults have trouble comprehending the truly enormous distances between the planets, let alone kids! Anything that can help visualize these numbers is a huge help. Using the downloadable planet posters, we've been playing a game with local kids. I have them take turns each laying out their guess for the size and scale of the solar system. Then we unroll the tape and have a good laugh as we keep going well past what any of them have set up. By the time we get out to Uranus and Neptune, they're just speechless about how far apart they are. The case is light weight, but well constructed of sturdy plastic. The tape is heavy duty vinyl that has held up well despite repeated use, and doesn't tend to get tangled or twisted up too badly. One thing to consider is that at 61 feet long, this really needs to be used outdoors or perhaps in a gymnasium. In a typical house, it's a lot harder to get a real sense of scale since it's not likely you could get the whole thing stretched out end to end. Otherwise, this a nifty little tool that has earned a permanent place in the star party toolkit!