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Teacher's Guide: Solar System Explorer

The Solar System Explorer is an interactive orrery powered by real NASA data. Students can drag and zoom the solar system, click any planet or the Sun to open a data panel with size, distance, orbital period, atmospheric composition, and moons — then compare data across bodies. The speed slider makes dramatically clear how orbital periods differ from Mercury to Neptune.

What Students Practice

  • Identifying and ordering the eight planets by distance from the Sun
  • Comparing planet properties: size, mass, orbital period, atmospheric composition
  • Understanding the scale of the solar system — distances and relative sizes
  • Interpreting scientific data from a reference panel (orbital period, surface temperature, moon count)
  • Connecting numerical data to observable patterns (closer planets orbit faster)

Standards Alignment

  • NGSS MS-ESS1-2 — Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the solar system
  • NGSS MS-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system
  • CCSS.MATH.6.RP.A.3 — Use ratio and rate reasoning (scale and distance)
  • CCSS.ELA RST.6-8.7 — Integrate quantitative information expressed in a table or chart

Classroom Tips

  • Use the speed slider to demonstrate Kepler's third law visually — inner planets lap the outer ones rapidly
  • Assign a compare/contrast writing prompt: students pick two planets and compare data from the panel
  • Pause the simulation and ask students to predict which planet comes next before revealing
  • Good hook for a scale activity — if Earth is a marble, how far away is Neptune? Have students calculate
  • Works well projected on a smartboard or on individual student laptops for research
Is the data from real NASA sources?

Yes. Planet sizes, distances, orbital periods, atmospheric compositions, and moon counts reflect published NASA data. Values are simplified in some cases for accessibility but are scientifically accurate for the grade band (Grades 6–8).

Does it include dwarf planets like Pluto?

The explorer focuses on the eight recognized planets plus the Sun. This aligns with the IAU 2006 definition that students are expected to know for NGSS assessments.

Can students control the simulation speed?

Yes. The speed slider at the bottom lets students accelerate or pause the orbital animation. Pausing is useful for comparing planetary positions; high speed dramatically illustrates the difference between inner and outer planet orbital periods.