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Earth, Sun and Moon
Objectives
To understand how the Earth and Moon move in relation to the Sun.
To understand how the Earth and Moon rotate on their axes.
To understand the term ‘orbit’.
Resources
Cambridge Primary Science Book 4 | Globe | Sticker | Flashlight | Three different sized balls
Today's Lesson
Main Activity
Turn to page 113–4 in Cambridge Primary Science Book 4.
Read page 113–4 and have a go at the ‘Think like a scientist’ activity on page 114 with your child. Point out day and night for the Earth and the mark where you live.
Ask your child to make a mark on the smallest ball, which represents the Moon. This mark should always face the Earth, no matter where the Moon is in its orbit of the planet.
It is important for your child to understand that the Earth rotates. The moon rotates too; however, it orbits the Earth at the same rate that it spins on its axis (every 27.3 days). This means that although it is rotating, we only ever see the Moon’s nearest side.
Demonstrate the movement of the Earth and Moon around the Sun using the three balls. Point out day and night for the Earth. Ask your child to look at the position of the Moon and discuss whether the people would be able to see the Moon at that time, or whether it would be too light during the day for it to be visible.