Distance From the Sun
Recommended for grades K–5.

Introduction
Have you ever thought about what it would be like if you were on another planet looking back at the sun? In this activity, you will use the Light Probe to get an idea of how much light the planets would receive.
Objectives
In this activity, you will
- Make a simulation of the planets of our solar system to scale.
- Measure the amount of light from a light source at different distances.
- Draw conclusions about conditions on other planets.
Sensors and Equipment
This experiment requires each of the following Vernier sensors and equipment (unless otherwise noted):
Additional Requirements
You may also need an interface and software for data collection. What do I need for data collection?
Download Experiment Preview
The student-version preview includes:
- Step-by-step instructions for computer-based data collection
- List of materials and equipment
Note: The experiment preview of the computer edition does not include essential teacher information, safety tips, or sample data. Instructions for Logger Pro and other software (such as LabQuest App or TI handheld software, where available) are on the CD that accompanies the book. We strongly recommend that you purchase the book before performing experiments.
Standards Correlations
See all standards correlations for Elementary Science with Vernier »

