Science·Space Exploration·conceptual
The Moon's Orbit
Know that the Moon orbits Earth approximately once a month, that it does not make its own light but reflects sunlight, and that its changing appearance (phases) is caused by how much of the sunlit side we can see from Earth
Suggested ages 7–9
Learning journey
Your child is discovering how our solar system works — learning about Earth's movements that create day and night, exploring the eight planets and their features, and understanding how we use robots and telescopes to study space.
Evidence of understanding
- State that the Moon orbits Earth roughly once every 28-30 days
- Explain that the Moon reflects sunlight rather than producing its own light
- Describe how Moon phases happen: we see different amounts of the lit-up side as the Moon orbits Earth
Assessment prompt
Can The Moon's Orbit explain why the Moon seems to change shape — that it’s always round but we only see the part lit up by the Sun?
Standards alignment
No external standards are linked to this topic.