1.
Children will blow up a yellow punch ball to its fullest and
balloons of nine different colors to sizes representing the
nine planets. You could even make a project out of creating
the planets via paper mache, etc., but balloons are easiest
to use.
2.Take
your class outside or go into the gym inside (wherever there
is a large space). You will need a large space. Mark off nine
paths on the ground or floor with string or chalk.
3.
Each student will hold a balloon representing the nine planets.
One student will hold the sun (the yellow punch ball).
4. The
"sun" stands in the middle of a circle. The other children
take their places on the orbits (marked paths). Teacher will
need to give each child the name of his/her planet and direct
him/her to the correct place.
5. Have
the children spin in place to show how the earth rotates
on its axis and completes a full day. It takes 24 hours for
the earth to make a complete turn on its axis. Keep in mind
that other planets rotate on their axis at speeds different
from earth.
6. While the children are slowly spinning on the earth’s axis
(representing a full day), have someone assist them in orbiting
the sun by moving on the marked paths. (Beware of dizziness!)
This will demonstrate the number of times the earth must spin
on its axis to make a full revolution around the sun (365
¼ days)..
7. Point
out that "rotation" or spinning on one's own axis takes
much less time than going all the way around the sun, "revolution."
Attention
Teachers and Parents! If you have a favorite
activity you play with your child or students, please share
them with us! Leave your activities or ideas on the Kid
Positive message boards.
-On
to Activity C.-
