Steps to Doing a Science Project on the Solar System

How does distance affect planet revolutions?

Our solar system is composed of eight planets and one sun. The distance of the planet from the sun affects the size of the planets orbit; the further from the sun, the larger the planet's orbit. In this project, you will demonstrate how the placement of the planet affects the amount of time it takes to orbit the sun (see Reference 1). The point in each cone you make represents the sun. The marble will represent either Mercury, Jupiter or Neptune, depending on the cone you use each time (see Reference 2). As you time the marble, you will demonstrate how distance affects the orbits of the planets.

Things You'll Need

• Marble
• Lightweight cardboard or poster board
• Masking tape
• Compass
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Timer with second hand
• Paper

Instructions

Time in Space

1. Put a pencil in your compass and draw three unconnected circles on the lightweight cardboard or poster board. The circumference of the circles should be 10 inches, 12 inches and 14 inches.

2. Gently fold each circle to find the center point. Draw a straight line from one edge to the center. Use scissors to cut along the line. Do this for all three circles.

3. Form a cone with each circle by overlapping the two cut sides. Use the masking tape to close the opening. Make sure the opening is smooth and flat in each cone before you begin your experiment.

4. Place the marble in the 10-inch cone. Hold the cone in your hand. Holding the cup upright, parallel to the floor, begin moving your hand in a circular pattern, rotating the cone in the process. This circular motion will cause the marble to revolve around the cone. When the orbit of the marble becomes smooth and continuous around the center of the cone, start a timer set for 15 seconds. Count the number of revolutions that happen during the time period. Record the score.

5. Place the marble in the 12-inch cone and begin rotating the cone. When the marble is circling the cone in a continuous movement near the edge or lip of the cone, start the timer. Again, count the number of rotations in a 15-second period. Record the results.

6. Repeat Step 5 with the 14-inch cone. After you have recorded your results, repeat Steps 4 through 6 three more times, recording your score each time.

7. Average the four scores for each planet by adding the four results together and dividing your answer by four. Compare the results and write a paragraph comparing the revolutions of Mercury, Jupiter and Neptune.

Tips & Warnings

• Make different size cones for other planets and see how the results fit your data (see Reference 3).

• Do not let the marble drop into the center of the cone while it is revolving around the cone.

References

• "730 Easy Science Experiments with everyday materials"; E.R. Churchill, L.V. Loeschnig & M. Mandell; 1997
• "Space"; Ruth M. Young; 1999
• Simple Space & Flight Experiments with Everyday Materials