The solar system
Describe the sun, Earth, and moon as approximately spherical bodies, and describe the movement of the Earth and other planets orbiting the sun in the solar system
Suggested ages 9–10
Learning journey
Your child is exploring our solar system and Earth's place in it — understanding how the Earth's rotation creates day and night, how planets orbit the sun, and how we can read Earth's history through rocks and fossils.
Evidence of understanding
- State that the sun, Earth, and moon are approximately spherical
- Name the planets in order from the sun and explain they all orbit the sun
- Describe the moon orbiting the Earth while both orbit the sun
Assessment prompt
Can The solar system describe the solar system — how Earth and the other planets orbit the sun, and how the moon orbits Earth, and that they're all roughly ball-shaped?
Standards alignment
Movement of Earth and planets
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 2
Movement of the moon
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 2
Spherical bodies in space
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 2