In this 6-8 lesson, students explore the solar system through experimentation of mobile design in the style of Alexander Calder. Using independent research about the planets, students will work in collaborative groups to create mobiles that compare the size of the Earth to other planets in the solar system.
Students will:
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Students should be familiar with the work of Alexander Calder and have an understanding of force/distance/lever physics.
Students should be familiar with mathematical ratios and basic solar system knowledge.
Modify handouts and mobile design resources as needed. Allow extra time for task completion.
- Using the planets’ ratio students will design 2-D representations of Earth and the researched planet on the poster board.
- Use research to paint or color the planet based on the research collected.
- Cut out the planets.
- Using the yardstick and ruler from the previous experiment, create a planet mobile showing Earth and the other planet. The weight of the planets must be balanced by altering their distances from the fulcrum.
Note: The largest planet is Jupiter. To fit Jupiter on standard 22” x 28” poster board, its largest diameter will be 22 inches. Using the planet-size ratio tool, Jupiter is 11 times the size of Earth. Therefore, Earth would be only 2 inches in diameter for the mobile. If each group starts with a standard-size Earth for their mobiles, the class can then compare the sizes of the other planets too. Group can include the Earth’s moon and the other planet’s satellite(s), if applicable. (The Earth is 3.7 times the size of its moon. Place the Earth and its moon on one side of the ruler, and the other planet and its satellite(s) on the other side.) Explain that even experts like Calder needed to experiment with placement of objects on a mobile to find balance.
Original Writer
Eileen Ewald
Adaptation
Carol Parenzan Smalley
Editor
JoDee Scissors
Updated
May 12, 2022
In this 6-8 lesson, students will apply mathematical, science, and engineering concepts to experiment with balancing levers. They will learn to classify types of levers to design and build a simplified mobile. Students will explore suspended and standing mobiles by sculptor Alexander Calder and engage in class discussions about the effectiveness of his work.
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Eric Friedman
Director, Digital Learning
Kenny Neal
Manager, Digital Education Resources
Tiffany A. Bryant
Manager, Operations and Audience Engagement
JoDee Scissors
Content Specialist, Digital Learning
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