STARWADERS Portable Solar System Model
v1-20718
Page
9
The Hoops
•
The folded hoops are springy and the tightly folded Mars hoop can
spring open. When loosening the strap that holds the hoops together,
take care that the Mars hoop does not spring open. For this reason,
mount the Mars hoop onto the arms first.
•
Mount the hoops by centering them over the frame and press the hoop
into the corresponding slots on each arm. This can be made slightly
easier by gently but imperceptibly bending the arm backwards at the
slot. This opens the slot enough to allow the hoop to pop into the slot.
•
Do the same with the other 7 orbit hoops.
•
Fit the ‘Direction of Rotation’ sign over the hub and then mount the Sun
into the neck on the front of the hub.
•
Mount the planets anywhere on the correct hoop. Fit the set of rings
onto Saturn.
An artificial horizon is included in the kit. It can also be used as a pointer.
Join the two halves using the pointer joining block. (Insert the end of the rods
with a slit into the joining piece.)
NOTE: In cases where a breeze perhaps sways the frame to and fro,
connect the supplied stabiliser cord from the small hole in foot to the
small hole in the axis.
4
Using the Model
4.1
Setting Up
Children have a lot of fun fitting the
hoops onto the frame, determining which
ball represents which planet and then
placing the planets on the hoops. They
have to know the order of the planets
and must be careful not to skip a hoop
or to put two planets on one hoop. They
find it amusing when it is pointed out to
them that two planets in the same orbit
will crash into each other.
