The shape of Earth
Lesson details
Learning outcome
You can consider evidence from the past, and describe the shape of the Earth.
Key learning points
- Throughout history, people have disagreed about the shape of the Earth.
- Evidence from the past has helped us to understand the shape of the Earth.
- The Earth is approximately spherical in shape, and can be represented with a globe.
Keywords
Earth - Earth is the planet on which we live
Evidence - Evidence is information which helps us to prove that something is true or not true
Spherical - A shape that is spherical is round like a ball
Globe - A globe is a spherical model of the Earth
Horizon - The horizon is the line in the far distance where the sky appears to meet the land or the sea.
Common misconception
Pupils may think that objects in space are flat, circular shapes rather than spherical
Provide plenty of opportunities for children to use 3D models to represent the Earth, Sun and Moon, and look at images and simulations
Teacher tip
This lesson is not about the relative sizes of the Earth, Sun and Moon, rather just their shape. There is an additional, optional lesson provided for pupils to explore sizes and relative distances in space
Equipment
Globe, toy boats or models, large balls
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the name of this object in space?
Q2.What is the name of this object in space?
Q3.What is the name of this object in space?
Q4.Light from the Sun can be dangerous. Which item is not something that can help protect us from the Sun?
Q5.What is the name of this shape?
Q6.Match the 3D shapes with their 2D representations.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which statement about the shape of Earth is true?
Q2.Which statement is not a reason why scientists gather information called evidence?
Q3.Which of these could people in ancient history do to collect evidence about Earth?
Q4.Which evidence helps us to understand that Earth is round?
Q5.What is the name of the shape of Earth?
Q6.The shape of Earth, along with all the countries of the world, can be represented using a .
To help you plan your 5 science lesson on: The shape of Earth, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 science lesson on: The shape of Earth, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 science lessons from the Earth, Sun and Moon unit, dive into the full primary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.