New
New
Lesson 11 of 12
New
New
- Year 5
How we see the Moon from Earth
You can explain how we see the Moon from Earth.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The Moon is nearly 240,000 miles away from the Earth, yet we can see it without binoculars and telescopes
- The Moon is a dusty ball of rock, it does not produce its own light
- Light is reflected when it hits a surface and bounces off in a different direction
- We see the Moon because it reflects light from the Sun
Keywords
Moon - Our Moon is an object that travels around planet Earth
Sun - The Sun is a star and the centre of our solar system
Light source - Something that is a light source produces its own light
Reflect - To reflect light is when light hits a surface and bounces off in another direction
Common misconception
Pupils often think that the Moon produces its own light, or that the Moon only comes out at night
Explore common reflectors of light, to enable pupils to observe how some objects, including the Moon, appear to shine as they reflect light
This lesson links to lesson 12. Dim the lights in the classroom when shining light from a torch onto a ball covered in paper. Pupils will be able to observe the surface of the ball reflecting ight from the torch.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Reflective objects/materials, ball, paper, torch
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
- Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which statement best describes the Moon?
Which statement best describes the Moon?
The Moon is a star.
The Moon is a planet.
The Moon is a meteorite.
Q2.Something that produces and gives out its own light is called a light .
Something that produces and gives out its own light is called a light .
Q3.Which of these is not a light source?
Which of these is not a light source?
candle
television
stars
Q4.Which of these is the main natural light source for planet Earth?
Which of these is the main natural light source for planet Earth?
lightning
fire
lamp
Q5.When light hits a surface and bounces off, scientists say that light is from the surface.
When light hits a surface and bounces off, scientists say that light is from the surface.
Q6.Which word do we use to describe how Earth moves around the Sun?
Which word do we use to describe how Earth moves around the Sun?
rotate
turn
twist
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Why do we use binoculars and telescopes to look in detail at the Moon's surface?
Why do we use binoculars and telescopes to look in detail at the Moon's surface?
The Moon is very close to Earth.
The Moon is always dark so we can't see it.
Q2.Which statement about the Moon is true?
Which statement about the Moon is true?
The Moon makes its own light.
The Moon only comes out at night.
Q3.True or False? Moonlight is actually sunlight that shines on the Moon and bounces off.
True or False? Moonlight is actually sunlight that shines on the Moon and bounces off.
False
It is impossible to tell
Q4.When light hits an object or surface, it bounces off in another direction. We say that the light is being...
When light hits an object or surface, it bounces off in another direction. We say that the light is being...
Q5.Which of these is not a light source?
Which of these is not a light source?
The Sun
A star
Q6.Which statement explains why the Moon does not produce its own light?
Which statement explains why the Moon does not produce its own light?
The Moon is mostly made of water, which does not produce light.
The Moon is too small to produce light.
The Moon is too far away to produce light.
