The relative sizes of the Earth, Sun and Moon (non-statutory)
I can describe and compare the sizes of the Earth, Sun and Moon.
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
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
Loading...
Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
1.39 million km
12,742 km
3,475 km
