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Home » Science Experiments for Kids » Stars, Planets and Moons – Earth’s Orbit Activity

Stars, Planets and Moons – Earth’s Orbit Activity

Modified: Feb 28, 2025 · Published: Jan 26, 2015 by Emma Vanstone · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

This week, my 6-year-old has been enthusiastically learning about the solar system and the Earth’s orbit around the sun. However, she has been struggling to understand the difference between stars, planets, and moons. To help her understand, we tried a fun demonstration in the garden.

Activity demonstrating the orbit of the Sun, Earth and Moon for kids. Space Science for Kids

Sun, Moon and Earth Orbit Demonstration

First, I made simple hats; one was a Sun, one Earth and the other the Moon. The children each wore a different hat. The ‘Sun’ stood in the middle, while the ‘Earth’ walked around it in a circle. The little ‘Moon’ ran around the ‘Earth’ as it circled the ‘Sun’. Everyone thought this was hilarious, and I think it got the message across, although our Moon was a little mischievous and kept moving out of orbit.

We’ve also used this activity to learn about Copernicus.

Earth’s Orbit

Earth’s orbit around the sun takes 365.242 days (one year on Earth ) and is an elliptical ( slightly oval ) shape. As the Earth rotates around the sun, its tilt changes, which is why we have seasons. When the hemisphere you live in is tilted towards the sun, it’s summer. You can read more about this in my article about the summer solstice.

What is an orbit?

An orbit is a repeating path one object in space takes around another object in space. The object in orbit is called a satellite.

Position of the sun, earth and moon - space science for kids

Fun Solar System Facts for Kids

Mars has two moons, discovered in 1877

Venus and Mercury have no moons

Jupiter has at least 63 moons!

Io ( one of Jupiter’s Moons ) has over 400 volcanoes.

Neptune’s largest moon is called Triton and is a similar size to Earth’s moon.

More Solar System Activity Ideas for Kids

Make a space themed sensory tub like this one.

space themed sensory rice bin

Find out about the structure of the Earth with this easy play dough model showing the different layers of our planet.

Play dough model of the Earth - space science for kids

Learn about craters in this fun activity using flour and hot chocolate powder,

We love this FIMO solar system from Red Ted Art.

I Can Teach My Child has some super cute puffy planets.

Stir the Wonder has a beautiful foam solar system.

If your children are fascinated by space, they will LOVE my book, This IS Rocket Science.

Do you have any more Solar System Activity Ideas for us?

Last Updated on February 28, 2025 by Emma Vanstone

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Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Samantha @ Stir the Wonder

    January 26, 2015 at 5:37 pm

    Thanks for including our Hands-on Solar System!

    Reply
  2. Mrs Haworth

    January 26, 2015 at 10:02 pm

    Brilliant
    Can little S bring the hats to school I wonder?

    Reply

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