Science · Stage 6

Earth, Moon and Sun

The Sun is a star that makes its own light; the Earth circles it once a year and the Moon circles the Earth about once a month — and as it goes, the Moon seems to change shape through its phases.

✦ Science📘 Stage 6 · S6⏱ ~12 min🧒 Ages 10–12★ Free to start

I can describe the positions of Earth, Moon and Sun, and explain the Moon's monthly cycle of phases.

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Kavi Follows the Moon

Kavi lies back on a warm rooftop at night and points up 🌙. "The Sun ☀️ is a star — it makes its own light. But the Moon makes none of its own; it just bounces the Sun's light back to us. Watch it with me for a whole month: tonight a thin sliver 🌒, then half 🌓, then a big round full moon 🌕 — and then back again. Come find out why the Moon seems to change shape, and how the Sun, Earth and Moon move around each other!"

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What your child will learn

1Where the Sun, Earth and Moon sitThe Sun is a star that makes its own light. The Earth orbits the Sun; the Moon orbits the Earth. Tap each part to learn what it does.

2The Moon's monthly cycle of phasesAs the Moon orbits the Earth over about a month, we see more and more of its sunlit half (waxing), up to the full moon — then less and less (waning), back to the new moon. Tap each phase, then watch it loop.

3Makes its own light, or reflects it?The Sun and the Moon look bright in our sky — but for very different reasons. Tap each card.

4Your turn: explain the Sun, Earth and MoonThink like a scientist — guess first, then tap to check! Tap Next test for more.

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A peek inside

Kavi points at three things on a sky-map: the Sun ☀️, the Earth 🌍 and the Moon 🌙. Which one is a star that makes its own light — and what do the other two do?

Only a star makes its own light, and the Sun is a star — so the Sun makes its own light and heat. The Earth is a planet that orbits the Sun once a year. The Moon orbits the Earth about once a month. Neither the Earth nor the Moon makes light of its own; the Moon only shines because it reflects the Sun's light.

Try this at home: Is the Sun a star or a planet?

Ready to play and learn?

Start the free interactive lesson, or print the handout for screen-free play.

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Part of Science · Stage 6 · S6 on KAVI Academy — a secular, whole-child learning platform for ages 5–12.