The spinning Earth

Science

Our solar system

Gravity

Stars, galaxies and the universe

Heating by the Sun

Earth's tilt

Seasons on Earth

Changing ideas about Earth

In the Gravity in space unit, they will build on this knowledge to learn to how gravitational forces cause orbital motion and about stellar evolution and cosmology, including red-shift and the big bang. 

In primary science, pupils learnt about the cause of day and night, the movement of Earth orbiting the Sun and the Moon orbiting Earth, and about stars and planets we can see in the night sky.

This unit explores gravity as the force between masses, including weight calculation using gravitational field strength. It covers the relationship between Earth, the Moon, and the Sun, the concept of light years, and seasonal changes due to Earth’s tilt.

Our solar system and beyond

Which is the best description for the shape of Earth?

What is the name of the imaginary line about which Earth spins?

Earth faces away from Orion at night time

In winter in the UK, (northern hemisphere) the constellation Orion is visible in the night sky. Which two statements correctly explain why?

Put these seasons in the correct order, starting with summer.

How long does it take for the Moon to orbit Earth?

nearly spherical, like a slightly flat football

an oval - narrow at the sides and big in the middle, like a rugby ball

narrow at one end and wide at the other, like an egg

What is the best description of the shape of Earth?

Starting with the smallest, put these objects in order of increasing size.

How long does it take for Earth to spin once on its axis?

The Moon goes round Earth once every day.

During the day we face the Sun and during the night we face the Moon.

During the day we face the Sun and during the night we face away from the Sun.

Which statement correctly explains why we have day and night.

Earth and the Sun are round but the Moon and the stars are pointed

Earth, the Sun and the stars are round but the Moon changes its shape

Which is the correct statement about Earth, the Moon, the Sun and the stars?

the Sun's gravity pulls the stars around Earth

Which is the correct explanation for why stars seem to move across the sky?

The spinning Earth

Lesson outcome