Exploring the Universe

Curriculum Links

Subject: Geography
Year Group: Year 3
National Curriculum (England) Link:

• Locational Knowledge: Identify key features of Earth and its place within the Solar System.
• Geographical Skills & Fieldwork: Use models and hands-on activities to understand Earth's position in space.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils will be able to:

1. Recognise that Earth is one of several planets in the Solar System.
2. Understand the concept of Earth's rotation and its effects (day and night).
3. Engage in a practical activity to model planetary movements.

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Resources Needed

• Black paper and white chalk (for space drawings)
• Polystyrene balls (various sizes)
• Torches
• String
• Globe or inflatable Earth model

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Lesson Breakdown (30 Minutes)

1. Introduction (5 Minutes) – Setting the Scene

Teacher to ask:

• "What do you already know about space?"
• "Can you name any planets?"

Briefly explain that Earth is part of a large Solar System and highlight how it rotates, causing day and night.

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2. Main Activity (15 Minutes) – The Solar System in Action

Hands-On Model – Creating Planets! (Wow factor: Moving model of the Solar System!)

1. Assign roles: Give pupils different-sized polystyrene balls to represent planets.
2. Sun Experiment: Place a torch in the middle of the room (this represents the Sun).
3. Orbit Demonstration: Pupils move their 'planets' around the 'Sun' with string. Rotate them to show how planets spin on their axes.
4. Day & Night Model: Use a globe and a torch to demonstrate how one side of Earth is always lit while the other is dark.

Encourage pupils to describe what happens as they move their models.

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3. Discussion & Reflection (7 Minutes) – What Have We Learned?

• Why does the Sun appear to rise and set?
• What happens if a planet doesn’t rotate?
• What surprised you the most?

Encourage creative thinking: “If you could live on any planet, which would it be and why?”

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Assessment & Next Steps

Assessment:

• Verbal questioning throughout.
• Observation during hands-on activity.

Next Steps:

• Extend learning with a class space mural, drawing planets and labelling key facts.
• Link to literacy: Write a short story about a journey through the Solar System.

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Teacher's Reflection

• Did pupils engage with the hands-on learning?
• Were they able to explain Earth's rotation and its effects?
• Adjust future activities based on pupil understanding.

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This lesson keeps learners engaged with movement, creativity, and a sense of wonder! 🚀