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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In this 6-8 lesson, students will learn how light interacts with matter through the creation of puppets in shadow plays. Students will examine how light travels and how an object's shadow is affected by the intensity and position of the light in relation to both the object and the surface on which a shadow is cast. This is the first lesson designed to accompany the Shadow Puppet Plays lesson.
In this 6-8 lesson, students will create a scientific drawing as a means of communicating ideas and information. Students will investigate the process of mitosis by observing yeast cells. They will compare the growth of yeast cells in warm and cold water, and hypothesize as to which environment would be more conducive to cellular growth.
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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
Generous support for educational programs at the Kennedy Center is provided by the U.S. Department of Education.
Gifts and grants to educational programs at the Kennedy Center are provided by The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation; Bank of America; Capital One; The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation; Carnegie Corporation of New York; The Ednah Root Foundation; Harman Family Foundation; William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust; the Kimsey Endowment; The Kiplinger Foundation; Laird Norton Family Foundation; Lois and Richard England Family Foundation; Dr. Gary Mather and Ms. Christina Co Mather; The Markow Totevy Foundation; Dr. Gerald and Paula McNichols Foundation; The Morningstar Foundation; Myra and Leura Younker Endowment Fund; The Irene Pollin Audience Development and Community Engagement Initiatives;
Prince Charitable Trusts; Dr. Deborah Rose and Dr. Jan A. J. Stolwijk; Rosemary Kennedy Education Fund; The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates; The Victory Foundation; The Volgenau Foundation; Volkswagen Group of America; Jackie Washington; GRoW @ Annenberg and Gregory Annenberg Weingarten and Family; Wells Fargo; and generous contributors to the Abe Fortas Memorial Fund and by a major gift to the fund from the late Carolyn E. Agger, widow of Abe Fortas. Additional support is provided by the National Committee for the Performing Arts..
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