Evidence is information that helps us to prove that something is true or not true.

A theory is a carefully thought-out explanation for something about our world that is based on learning from scientific enquiry.

The solar system is the name for our Sun and the planets that orbit it.

The geocentric model of the solar system has the Earth at the centre and the Sun and planets orbiting it.

The heliocentric model of the solar system has the Sun at the centre and the planets orbiting it.

Scientific theories from the past (non-statutory)

Science

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

Earth, Sun and Moon

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

Use of equipment that may require supervision for safety, e.g. scissors in KS1, needles, paint, knives, cooking.

A {{}} is the name for a carefully thought-out explanation for something.

Which statement is true about scientists' ideas about the solar system?

Which of these objects in space is at the centre of the geocentric model of the solar system?

The {{}} model of the solar system has the Sun at the centre and the planets orbiting it.

Ancient Egyptians thought the Sun was a god, who rode a chariot across the sky.

Greek philosophers thought Earth was at the centre of the solar system.

Copernicus' theory was that the Sun was at the centre of the solar system.

Galileo used a telescope to find more evidence supporting a heliocentric model.

Starting with the earliest, order the events.

Theories may change over time as we gather more evidence.

Scientific enquiry can help scientists to make more accurate theories.

Which of these statements about scientific theories is true?

The Sun is at the {{}} of our solar system.

What do the Sun, Earth and Moon all have in common?

What equipment might scientists on Earth use to find out more about objects in space?

What is the name of a scientist who studies space?

Why does the Sun appear to move across the sky each day?

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Scientific theories from the past (non-statutory)

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.