Astronomer’s playlist
Time
Junior Astronaut Activities
5 mins
Get inspired by watching the Knowledge Network episode Scaling the Universe. You have to sign up and log in but it is worth it!
What surprises you the most about the size of objects in our universe?
20 mins
Discover more about the sizes of the objects through the Scale of the Universe online activity. Then watch the Powers of Ten video to get a sense of distance between objects.
Choose something small and something large to learn more about. What would you like to know more about?
90 mins
Make your own scale models of our solar system.
Earth as a Peppercorn: This activity show how big objects in our solar system are…if Earth was the size of a peppercorn.
Solar System Scroll: This activity shows the distance between objects in our solar system
How do the activities change your understanding of the scale of our solar system?
60 mins
Share what you’ve learned with your neighbours.
Use the Sidewalk Solar System activity to make scale drawings of our solar system on your sidewalk.
If you are really keen, draw a larger scale solar system. Use the Build a Solar System website to help you with the math.
Can you imagine travelling to another planet in our solar system? What about travelling to another solar system?
Time
Senior Astronaut Activities
5 mins
Get inspired by watching the Knowledge Network episode Scaling the Universe. You have to sign up and log in but it is worth it!
What surprises you the most about the size of objects in our universe?
60 mins
Discover more about how astronomers measure distances in the universe. Watch the video How Do We Measure Distance in Space? and then read more in the Digging Deeper section.
90 mins
Make your own scale models of our solar system.
Earth as a Peppercorn: This activity show how big objects in our solar system are…if Earth was the size of a peppercorn.
Solar System Scroll: This activity shows the distance between objects in our solar system
How do the activities change your understanding of the scale of our solar system?
60 mins
Share what you’ve learned with your neighbours.
Use the Sidewalk Solar System activity to make scale drawings of our solar system on your sidewalk.
If you are really keen, draw a larger scale solar system. Use the Build a Solar System website to help you with the math.
Can you imagine travelling to another planet in our solar system? What about travelling to another solar system?
3 hrs
Now really challenge yourself and learn more about how astronomers use standard candles to measure the universe, with the Street Lights as Standard Candles activity. This activity will give you a chance to sharpen your math skills and analyze the brightness of streetlights in your neighbourhood. (Note: this activity is for youth 14+.)
How do you think astronomers would use the skills you use in this activity?