The movement of the Moon
You can use the idea of the Moon's movement to begin to explain why the Moon appears to change shape.
The movement of the Moon
You can use the idea of the Moon's movement to begin to explain why the Moon appears to change shape.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The Moon moves around the Earth. It takes approximately 28 days for the Moon to complete its orbit of the Earth.
- As the Moon orbits the Earth, the same side of the Moon is always facing us.
- We see the Moon because light from the Sun shines on the Moon and this light is reflected to Earth.
- The Moon appears to change shape depending on the amount we see from Earth being lit by the Sun.
Keywords
Moon - Our Moon is an object that travels around planet Earth.
Reflect - To reflect light is when light hits a surface and bounces off in another direction.
Orbit - Orbit is when something travels around a star, planet or moon.
Satellite - The Moon is a satellite because it moves around the Earth.
Observations - When we make observations we look closely at something and use other senses too.
Common misconception
Pupils will think that the Moon actually does change shape, or that it becomes covered with clouds.
Pupils should use models to see and feel for themselves what is actually moving and how this affects the apparent shape of the Moon.
Equipment
selection of spheres, white ball (polystyrene sphere), stick (pencil), bright torch
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
- Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), 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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