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

    Stars, Planets and Moons – Earth’s Orbit

    January 26, 2015 By Emma Vanstone 3 Comments

    My 6 year old has been very enthusiastically learning about the solar system and the Earth’s orbit around the sun this week, but 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

    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 though 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 ( I year on Earth ) and is an elliptical ( slightly oval ) shape. As the Earth rotates around the sun it’s 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.

    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.

    These puffy planets are super cute from I Can Teach My Child.

    Stir the Wonder has a beautiful foam solar system.

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

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

    Earth's Orbit - space science for kids.Discover how the earth orbits the moon and the moon orbits earth with this fun activity #scienceforkids #spacescience

    Last Updated on May 11, 2021 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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