This optional lesson provides additional practice using dilations, as students draw a scale model of the solar system. It also reinforces the idea of using a ratio for the scale factor in order to find unknown lengths.

Students must reason abstractly and quantitatively to represent real objects, such as planets, in their scaled drawings (MP2). They must also engage in various parts of the modeling cycle to determine important values needed to make the scale model (MP4).

Technology isn't required for this lesson, but there are opportunities for students to choose to use appropriate technology to solve problems. We recommend making technology available.