The sun, the Earth and the Planets

Which of these is in the centre of the solar system?

• Earth

• Jupiter

• The Sun

• The moon

Answer explanation

The sun is at the centre of the solar system!

Why is our shadow longer or shorter at different times of day?

• Because hot weather changes our shadow

• Because the Sun is in a different place in the sky

• It doesn't change

Look at the shadows in this picture. What time is it most likely to be?

• 1am

• 12pm (lunchtime)

• 8am

• 11pm

Answer explanation

In the morning and in the evening the sun is lower in the sky.

This makes our shadows longer.

Which of these best describes the way all of the planets move?

• They rotate (spin) on their axis.

• They move around the Sun.

• They don't move. Only the Sun moves.

• They (rotate) on their axis and move around the Sun

Answer explanation

As you can see the planets rotate (spin)

At the same time they are moving in space- circling the sun.

How many planets are there?

• 1 -just Earth

• 6

• 8

• 9

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

There is more than one answer!

Tick ALL of the things below which are NOT planets

• Pluto

• A black hole

• The Moon

• The Sun

Answer explanation

NONE OF THESE are planets.

The planets in our Solar System are:

- Mercury

- Venus

- Earth

- Mars

-Jupiter

- Saturn

- Uranus

- Neptune

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

Which is the biggest planet?

• Earth

• Jupiter

• Saturn

• Neptune

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

Which of the planets is closest to the Sun?

• Mercury

• Venus

• Mars

• Earth

Which of the PLANETS is closest to Earth?

• The moon

• Mars

• Venus

• Saturn

Match the words to their meanings

• axis

• 
• rotate

• 
• Sphere

• 
• orbit

•