Heliocentric Model of the Solar System
Earth and Space

On dealing with scale models

Teaching Guidance for 11-14 Supporting Physics Teaching

Two scales in use at once

Teacher Tip: In solar system modelling activities it is important to be aware that the scale for the size of the planets is not the same scale as that used for the distance between them (although both the relative sizes and relative distances are to scale). If the scales were the same, the object representing Pluto would be about 1.2 kilometre from the Sun.

IOP AWARDS 2025

Teachers of Physics Awards

The Teachers of Physics Award celebrates the success of secondary school physics teachers who have raised the profile of physics and science in schools. Nominations for 2025 are now open.

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