Solar System Design Task

Outcomes Achievement
INV S3.7 Conducts their own investigations and makes judgements
based on the results of observing, questioning, planning, predicting,
testing, collecting, recording and analysing data, and drawing
conclusions.
DM S3.8 Develops and resolves a design task by planning,
implementing managing and evaluating design processes.
UT S3.9 Evaluates, selects and uses a range of equipment,
computer-based technology, materials and other resources to meet
the requirements and constraints of investigation and design tasks.

Limited

Basic

Sound

High

Group Members: ________________________________________________________

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Task: Design and make a model of the solar system demonstrating the
relative size of the planets and distance from the sun. You could also show
the shape of the orbits.
1. Using internet sites and the class Weebly, Investigate the planets of the Solar System,
their distance from the sun and relative time taken to complete an orbit and the planets
rotation. Record your investigations in your Solar System booklet.
Complete the following:

1. What is your design task?

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2. Criteria: What are two requirements or specifications the design must
meet?
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2. _______________________________________________________________________
3. Contraints: Are there any restrictions or limits to designing and making this
model? If so, describe what you cannot do in the design of this product.
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4. As a group, brainstorm and draw two or more ideas for your model. label
your drawings. Write a positive and a negative for each idea. (over page)
5. From your brainstorming, which idea seems to be the most possible to do
and work? When choosing your best solution make sure that it represents the goal of
the task and that it adheres to the specific criteria and constraints for the project.

Idea number: ___________________________________________________________

Explain why you think this is the best idea:
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Idea no. 1

Positive: _________________________________________________________________
Negative: _______________________________________________________________
Idea no. 2

Positive: _________________________________________________________________
Negative: _______________________________________________________________
6. Allocate jobs/tasks to each group member:
Group member
Task

7. Write a procedure for how you will make your model:

How to make a model of the Solar System
Materials:
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Steps:
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8. Evaluation:
Did your model meet the criteria?
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Could you have done anything differently?
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