The Sun is a star and the centre of our solar system.

Earth is always rotating, this means it is spinning on its axis.

A shadow is formed when an opaque object blocks the light.

When we observe, we look closely and can use other senses too.

Why the Sun appears to move across the sky

Science

The shape of Earth

The shape of objects in space

Observing the Moon

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

More about the Sun (non-statutory)

Why we have day and night

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

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

Which of the following must be used to look at the Sun safely?

Which statement is correct for why the Sun appears to move across the sky during the day?

Match the time of day with where the Sun appears in the sky.

The Sun looks like it disappears because it only gives out light during the day.

The Sun looks like it disappears because it is covered by clouds at night.

The Sun looks like it disappears as Earth spins away from it.

The Sun looks like it disappears as Earth spins towards it.

From Earth, it looks like the Sun disappears every night. Which statement below is correct?

Which movement in space causes the shadows on Earth to change during a day?

Match each time of day to the correct length of shadow.

Earth spins, or {{}} on its axis once every 24 hours. 

Which word do scientists use to describe the skill of looking at something very closely?

When light shines on an object outside during the day, a shadow can form. Where does the light come from? 

A person makes a shadow when they block light from the Sun because they are...

Shadows can be made indoors and outdoors.

Which unit would you use for measuring the length of a very short shadow?

Starter Quiz