Earth and Moon in PlayDOH!

Start by predicting the size and spatial relationship of the Earth and moon. Then, model the Earth-moon system with PlayDOH! You will be surprised and amazed at just how inaccurate you are!
This hands-on activity is appropriate for grade 4 and above. Using PlayDOH! or modeling clay, students can first predict the proportions and scale distance between the Earth and moon. Then, with a simple and engaging process, they are able to construct an accurate Earth-moon system, in correct proportion of diameter, volume, and distance to the same scale. (Please take into consideration for those who may have sensitivity that PlayDOH! and some modeling clays contain gluten.)
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Timeline:
0:00 Earth-moon questions
0:25 Understanding with models
1:01 Materials
1:26 Earth-moon predictions
2:39 Earth-moon proportions
6:25 Scale distances
Thumbnail artwork by Jonathan Sullivan-Martin, Graduate Assistant, Purdue University Department of Physics and Astronomy.