The 42nd Period | STEM Education Hub

🎯 Deliverable — Pick a Format

One of these two, plus the written scale explanation either way.

🚶 Physical, Walking-Tour

Small objects for planets, paced out at real scaled distances outdoors. Honest by construction — the distances can't be faked.

💻 Digital

A spreadsheet or drawn diagram with every size and distance calculated from one clearly labeled scale factor.

📋 Content Checklist

Every item below has to show up somewhere in your model or write-up — check them off as you go.

A single stated scale factor (e.g., "1 cm = 12,742 km"), used for both size and distanceThe Sun and all eight planets, sized according to that scaleAll eight planets positioned at their correct scaled distance from the SunA written explanation of the scale chosen, including at least one worked calculationAn honest note on any compromises made (space constraints, not-to-scale visuals in a digital model, etc.)

📅 Day-by-Day Plan

Day 1

Choose & Calculate

Pick physical or digital, and pick your Earth reference size. Use the Deep Dive's scale calculator to generate every size and distance you'll need before you start building.

Day 2

Build

Build the model — pace out real distances outdoors, or lay out your digital diagram or spreadsheet. Double-check every value traces back to the same scale factor.

Day 3

Write Up & Submit

Write up your scale factor, show at least one worked calculation, and be honest about any compromises. Trade with a partner for a sanity check, then finalize and submit.

📊 Grading Rubric — 100 pts

A starting point — adjust weights to fit your class before assigning.

Category	Weight	Exemplary	Proficient	Developing	Incomplete
Scale Accuracy	35 pts	A single, consistent scale factor is correctly applied to every size AND every distance, for all 8 planets and the Sun.	Scale is mostly consistent; one or two values are off or miscalculated.	Sizes and distances use different, unrelated scales (the exact mistake this project targets).	No real scale calculation shown.
Completeness	20 pts	The Sun and all eight planets are included, correctly ordered and positioned.	Missing one body or one minor ordering issue.	Missing several bodies.	Model is largely incomplete.
Write-Up Quality	25 pts	Clearly states the chosen scale factor, shows at least one worked calculation, and honestly explains any compromises made.	States the scale and mostly explains the math; light on detail in one area.	Scale is mentioned but not actually explained or justified.	No write-up submitted.
Craftsmanship & Presentation	20 pts	Clean, clear execution — physical model is sturdy and labeled, or digital model is well-organized and easy to read.	Mostly clear with minor presentation issues.	Hard to follow or noticeably rough.	Not submitted.

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🔭 Project 3.2.3 · Unit 3 of 6 · Single Semester