Jiggly Jupiter

Add to list Go to activity
Activity link broken? See if it's at the internet archive
In this activity, learners build edible models of Jupiter and Earth to compare their sizes and illustrate the planets' internal layers. Learners discuss how the Juno mission will infer details about Jupiter's interior by measuring its gravity field and magnetic field.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
2 to 4 hours
Learning Time:
30 to 45 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$10 - $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Model
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • 8" diameter plates
  • Pitted cherries, cut in half
  • Strawberry Go-GURT® package or other yogurt OR strawberry-flavored gelatin jigglers
  • Strawberry syrup
  • Chocolate syrup
  • Cinnamon candies (e.g. Red Hots)
  • Whipped cream
  • Rulers
  • Plastic knives
  • Wet wipes or damp towels
  • "A Peek into Jupiter's Interior," preferably printed in color
  • "Jiggly Jupiter" journal handout
  • Pencils or pens
  • Spoons
  • (Optional - if preparing gelatin jigglers) 2 (11" x 17") cookie sheets
  • (Optional - if preparing gelatin jigglers) 4 large packs of strawberry-flavored gelatin
  • (Optional - if preparing gelatin jigglers) 5 cups boiling water
  • (Optional - if preparing gelatin jigglers) 1 large mixing bowl
  • (Optional - if preparing gelatin jigglers) 1 knife for cutting jigglers

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Astronomy
    • Earth Structure
      • Rocks and Minerals
      • Atmosphere
    • Solar System
      • The Planets
  • Mathematics
    • Measurement
      • Units of Measurement
  • Physical Sciences
    • Electricity and Magnetism
    • Motion and Forces
      • Gravity
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Elements and Periodic Table

Informal Categories

  • Food and Cooking
  • Model Building

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • , Lunar and Planetary Institute, 2011

Funding Source:

  • NASA