Using Google Earth to visualize the size of the solar system 06Jun08
I am a huge fan of Google Earth, and use it extensively for geotagging photos, as well as general exploring of the miraculous planet we call home. I have also had great success with using Google Earth in the classroom, and one of the short activities I like to do is plotting the relative distances of the planets from the sun onto a map of an area students are familiar with.
The activity involves using the ruler tool in Google Earth along with the placemark (push pin). Students research the relative distances of the planets from the sun with respect to the relative size of the planets. For instance, if the sun were the size of a blown up garbage bag (1300 mm) then Mercury would be the size of a coffee bean (4.5 mm) at a distance of 54m from the sun. The process continues for all nine* planets (*we can still count poor Pluto in this exercise). Once the relative distances of the planets have been plotted students can take a screen shot of their creation for inclusion in a larger assignment, or they could save their creation as a KML file for inclusion in an online document (be it a blog, or other online sharing medium that can embed a Google Map).
The idea behind this exercise is to help students understand that most of the universe is empty space, and that the distance involved in travelling between planets is vast. It allows students to demonstrate their understanding of our solar system, while applying the skills of measuring, calculation, and an understanding of relative size and distance. I have included a fantastic Excel document that I use to calculate the relative distances and sizes of the planets. It also provides relative speeds of light, thicknesses of planet crusts and more (I do not know the original source of the Excel document).
Attached Files:
- The Solar System - calculate relative distance and size
This Excel document provides an easy way to calculate the relative distances, sizes, speeds of light etc. for all the planets in the solar system.
Hi! Found your blog through Clicked over at MSNBC. I teach 8th grade science in Arizona. I used Google Earth in a similar manner- to demonstrate the difference in size between a virus and a cell. I start by showing our school yard up close with a picture of a rhinovirus sized to cover the courtyard. I have them imagine what that would be like, to go outside and see a huge virus sitting there. Then I zoom out slowly and they can see where I used the Google Earth building feature (forget what it is called) to build a cell to scale with the virus. I put it all in PowerPoint, and have clouds and airplanes going past the cell. Pretty dramatic. I never have to explain which is bigger again!
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@ajani57: Is the building feature SketchUp by Google? I’ve never thought about trying to build biological models in that application. I’ve only ever looked at it briefly. I’d be interested in seeing how your final product looks, have you thought about sharing it online (via slidehsare or similar)? With the animations you describe it might not translate well to these sharing options.