The Earth, The Moon and The Sun

Learning Outcomes
Pupils will be able to:

• state that the Earth and the Moon rotate on their axes.
• state that the Earth rotates and at the same time moves around the Sun.
• state that the Moon rotates and at the same time moves around the Earth.
• state that the Moon and the Earth move around the Sun at the same time.
• describe the changes in the length and position of a shadow throughout the day.
• conclude that the Earth rotate on its axis from the west to the east.

            Earth rotates on its axis from the west to the east.

        It takes 24 hours to make one complete rotation.

Simple animation of the Earth and the Moon 

moving around the Sun.

The Sun is the centre of our solar system. The Earth and the Moon move around the Sun at the same time. 

       

How long does the Earth take to move around the Sun?

The Earth also moves around the Sun at the same time. 

                   It takes one year to move around the Sun.    

                                                                                         

The Moon also rotates on its axis. It takes about 28 days to make one complete rotation 

At the same time, the Moon moves around the Earth. It also takes about 28 days to move around the Earth.

• In early morning and afternoon, the Sun rises on the horizon and makes long shadows.
• At noon, the Sun is directly overhead and makes short shadows.
• The rotation of the Earth on its axis causes the length and position of a shadow to change.