An object that is shaped like a ball is a sphere.

In the geocentric model of the universe (which is incorrect), Earth is at the centre of everything.

In the heliocentric model, Earth and the other planets orbit the Sun.

A telescope is able to magnify distant objects so they can be seen in more detail.

Changing ideas about Earth

Science

In the Gravity in space unit, they will build on this knowledge to learn to how gravitational forces cause orbital motion and about stellar evolution and cosmology, including red-shift and the big bang. 

In primary science, pupils learnt about the cause of day and night, the movement of the Earth orbiting the Sun and the Moon orbiting the Earth, and about stars and planets we can see in the night sky.

Our solar system and beyond

It magnifies distant objects so that we can see them in more detail.

It helps light from our eyes reach the object we are looking at.

It shines light on the object we are looking at so we can see it more clearly.

Which of the following does a telescope do?

The model of the universe in which the Earth is at the centre is called the {{}} model.

The model of the universe in which Earth and the other planets orbit the Sun is called the {{}} model.

The Moon and stars travel across the sky.

We can fly all the way round Earth without changing direction.

Earth’s shadow on the Moon (during a lunar eclipse) is circular.

When a boat sails away, the bottom of the boat disappears first.

Which of the following statements are evidence that Earth is a sphere?

The heliocentric model fits all of our observations.

It's just obvious that Earth goes around the Sun.

The geocentric model does not fit all of our observations.

It feels wrong for Earth to be at the centre of our solar system.

Why do we accept the heliocentric model of the universe (first suggested by Copernicus) instead of the geocentric model?

Which of the following explains why we can see different stars in the night sky at different times of year?

Which of the following is a large, hot star?

Which of the following happens to the time it takes a planet to orbit the Sun as the distance from the Sun increases?

The Sun rises in the West and sets in the East.

The Sun rises in the East and sets in the West.

The Sun rises in the North and sets in the South.

The Sun rises in the South and sets in the North.

Which of the following statements about the Sun rising and setting is correct?

Earth's axis points towards the Sun and days are longer than the nights.

Earth's axis points away from the Sun and days are longer than the nights.

Earth's axis points towards the Sun and nights are longer than the days.

Earth's axis points away from the Sun and nights are longer than the days.

Which of the following statements about Earth, when it is winter in the UK, is correct?

The stars move from East to West, like the Sun rising and setting.

The points of light are actually space craft and satellites.

Which of the following explains why the stars appear to move across the sky during the night?

Apart from the Sun, how far is the nearest star to us?

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Changing ideas about Earth

Lesson outcome

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.