English National Curriculum - Science Science

5. Explain the movement of the Moon

Mission Objectives

Describe how the Earth and Moon move relative to the Sun

Describe the movement of the Moon relative to the Earth

Explain that the Moon orbits the Earth, not the Sun

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Rocket Words Quiz

See if you know all the meanings of the rocket words

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Word Search Game

Find all the rocket words in the grid

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Keywords

Words and meanings to learn

phase

the appearance of a Moon or planet, according to the amount of illumination seen

moon

body which orbits a planet; also called a natural satellite

waning

the name given to Moon phases when the Moon is becoming darker

waxing

the name given to Moon phases when the Moon is becoming brighter

eclipse

when a body moves into the shadow of another body; either as a lunar eclipse or a solar eclipse

This lesson has been written by

Clare Faulkner

Clare is an experienced primary school teacher, having worked across both Key Stage 1 and Early Years. Before joining Developing Experts, Clare worked as a Quality Assurance Inspector for a childcare agency, following OFSTED's inspection criteria. Clare is passionate about education and ensuring children's learning is exciting and fun!

In her spare time, Clare is also a mother of two very active children and lots of animals! She enjoys a variety of sports and loves the outdoors!

Sarah Mintey MBE

Sarah is a former headteacher and charity CEO who founded Developing Experts in October 2015 with the goal to create a fit-for-purpose curriculum for schools. The company has created a science curriculum for children ages 4-16 which is delivered through sequenced lessons mapped against the National Curriculum in biology, chemistry, and physics. Developing Expert's innovative approach to learning has already been road-tested and voted 'best EdTech product in Europe', winning Tech Nation’s Rising Stars earlier in 2019 and a place on Google for Startups Immersion program 2020. In 2022 Developing Experts won the BETT Awards for Best Classroom Resource - Teaching Aid. Sarah is a 'LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leader' 2022. In October 2022 Developing Experts joined Tech Nation's Upscale 8.0 programme.

Sarah is delighted to be working with over 6500 UK schools and clients such as the Royal Horticulture Society, Network Rail, Rolls Royce, BEIS, National Nuclear Labs, Anglian Water and the Ministry of Defence.

Sarah was awarded an MBE for her services to tech and education in 2020. 

Matthew Willsher

Matthew is an experienced and qualified educator, with a background in both classroom and outdoor settings. He is passionate about making learning engaging for all involved and creates content which enhances children’s experiences in education and those delivering it. With a strong belief in the value of education, Matthew recognises the importance of enabling children and adults to access any curriculum content with ease, regardless of their backgrounds. In his spare time, Matthew loves being with family and friends; additionally, he has a keen interest in the performing arts and volunteers time as a voice-over artist.

Katie Barrie


Katie is the Chief Operating Officer at DE, which means she oversees HR, finance and our business model. After studying Drama at Exeter University, Katie spent three years as a primary teacher, before relocating to Norfolk and joining Developing Experts. 

In her spare time, Katie likes to sing with Norwich Harmony barbershop chorus and has recently formed a quartet. Katie loves cooking and spending time with her husband, Bryan and dog, Bertie. She has an endearing laugh, which has to be heard to be believed. Many of us see Katie as the office 'Mum', she gives great hugs and keeps our spirits up.  

Contact: [email protected]  

Required Resources

Resources: Class presentation, pinwheel outlines, scissors, split pins, a globe, golf balls and a torch. 

Support Handout (1): A pinwheel for the children to cut out and complete, with 2 of the segments already filled in. 

Core Handout (2): As above, without any segments filled in. 

Stretch Handout (3): A space for the children to draw a diagram of the Earth's orbit and answer some questions. 

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