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Model How the Solar System Formed

This interactive shows a real-time simulated view of the solar system and NASA missions in space. Explore more by clicking and dragging or use the control icons. Get to know our solar system and what makes it so special by visiting NASA's Solar System Exploration website and exploring the interactive below. Consider the diversity of celestial bodies in our solar system beyond the eight planets, such as the moons, asteroids, comets, and dwarf planets. Each has unique characteristics.
Levels
  • Introductory (K-5)
Material Type
  • Activity/Hands-on
  • Film/Documentary/Show
Heliophysics Big Ideas
  • Big Idea 3.3 - Our Sun, like all stars, has a life cycle.
NGSS
  • ESS1 - Earth's Place in the Universe
  • PS1 - Matter and its Interactions
Heliophysics Topics
  • Solar System
  • Stellar Evolution
  • Sun
Heliophysics Missions
  • Voyager
  • Parker Solar Probe
Related Missions
  • James Webb Space Telescope (Astro)
Material Cost per Learner Free
Language English

In this activity, students create their own solar system out of playdough to learn how the planets formed. Additional resources include videos and additional activities.

Learn more at: https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/resources/project/model-how-the-solar-system-formed/