The relative sizes of the Earth, Sun and Moon (non-statutory)
I can describe and compare the sizes of the Earth, Sun and Moon.
- Year 5
The relative sizes of the Earth, Sun and Moon (non-statutory)
I can describe and compare the sizes of the Earth, Sun and Moon.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The Sun is much bigger than Earth and the Moon
- More than one million Earths would fit into the Sun
- Earth is much smaller than the Sun, but bigger that the Moon
- The Moon is approximately one quarter of the size of Earth
- We can find out about the size of objects in space by carrying out research
Keywords
Earth - Earth is the planet on which we live.
Sun - The Sun is a star and is at the centre of our solar system.
Moon - Our Moon is an object that travels around planet Earth.
Relative - We can compare the relative size of objects to help us understand how big they are.
Scale - We can use scale to help us understand the size of very big or very small things.
Common misconception
The Earth, Sun and Moon are the same size, or that the Sun is much smaller than it actually is.
Provide opportunities for children to explore diagrams and 3D models of the Earth, Sun and Moon which clearly show the differences in size.
Equipment
Beach ball, basketball, tennis ball, football, peppercorn (all optional, but beneficial)
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these objects is a sphere?
Q2.What shape is the planet we live on?
Q3.If something has been divided into four equal parts, how much is each part?
Q4.What is the name of this object in space?
Q5.How big is a kilometre?
Q6.If we wanted to find out facts about something, which of these would not be a good place to look for information?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Starting with the largest, put these objects in order of size.
Q2.Match the object in space with its approximate diameter.
