Our Moon is an object that travels around planet Earth.

A crater is a circular-shaped hole caused by impact in space.

A telescope helps us to see much further into space.

An astronomer is a scientist who observes objects in space.

To observe is to look very closely and use other senses too.

Observing the Moon

Science

The shape of Earth

The shape of objects in space

The relative sizes of the Earth, Sun and Moon (non-statutory)

More about the Sun (non-statutory)

Why we have day and night

Why the Sun appears to move across the sky

The planets in our solar system (non-statutory)

The movement of the planets around the Sun

Scientific theories from the past (non-statutory)

How we see the Moon from Earth

The movement of the Moon

In the Earth, Sun and Moon unit, pupils learnt about the cause of day and night. In the Solar system and beyond unit they will build on this knowledge to learn about the motions that cause days and seasons on the Earth.

In the Seasonal changes units, pupils learn that day length varies throughout the year. In this Earth, Sun and Moon unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to use the idea of the Earth's rotation to explain day and night and the apparent movement of the sun across the sky

This unit covers the movement of the Earth, moon, and planets, describing them as spherical bodies. It explains Earth's rotation, causing day and night, and the sun's apparent movement. Emphasis is on recording complex data, presenting findings, and evaluating scientific evidence.

Earth, Sun and Moon

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

The surface of the Moon is smooth and shiny.

The surface of the Moon is rough and rocky.

The surface of the Moon is covered in holes.

The surface of the Moon has large darker areas.

Which statement about the surface of the Moon is **not** true?

Over many years, the Moon has been hit by space rocks, which have left behind circular holes called {{}}.

What is the name of a scientist who observes and studies objects in space?

Only satellites have taken photos and videos of the Moon.

Astronauts have taken photos and videos of the Moon whilst travelling in space.

Astronauts have taken photos and videos of the Moon when they have walked on it.

We now have evidence from photos and videos about the surface of the Moon. Which statement below is **not** true?

You can't see the Moon using just your eyes.

They make the Moon appear further away from Earth.

They make the Moon appear closer to Earth.

Why do we use binoculars and telescopes to look at the Moon?

Which would **not** be a good way to record the changing shape of the Moon each night over one month?

Which object would **not** be good to make a model of the Moon?

When scientists investigate, they look at things very closely and use other senses to {{}} what is happening.

Which object does **not** make things appear larger or closer to us?

What is the name of this tool that we can use to observe objects in space?

Observing the Moon

Lesson outcome

Content guidance