Science·Space Exploration·conceptual
Changing Ideas About Space
Understand that ideas about the solar system changed over time: ancient people believed Earth was at the centre (geocentric model, Ptolemy), until Copernicus proposed the Sun was at the centre (heliocentric model), later confirmed by Galileo’s telescope observations
Suggested ages 9–11
Learning journey
Your child is discovering the wonders of space — learning about stars, planets, and galaxies, understanding how our ideas about the solar system have changed over time, and exploring humanity's journey into space.
Evidence of understanding
- Describe the geocentric model (Earth at the centre) and name Ptolemy as its main proponent
- Describe the heliocentric model (Sun at the centre) and name Copernicus as the person who proposed it
- Explain that Galileo used a telescope to find evidence supporting the heliocentric model (e.g. moons orbiting Jupiter)
Assessment prompt
Can Changing Ideas About Space tell you that people used to think the Sun went around the Earth, and explain how scientists like Copernicus and Galileo changed our understanding?
Standards alignment
No external standards are linked to this topic.