The shape of objects in space | Science | Quizalize & Oak National Academy

Starter quiz

This object in space is called the ______.
- 'Earth' ✓
Which object would not make a good model of Earth?
- a cereal box ✓
- a football
- an orange
Which object would make a good model of Earth?
- a hula hoop
- a tennis ball ✓
- a tin of beans
Which word means shaped like a sphere?
- circular
- spherical ✓
- diagonal
Scientists tell us that Earth is approximately spherical. What does 'approximately' mean?
- Approximately means they do not know so are just making a guess.
- Approximately means exactly.
- Approximately means nearly or close to. ✓
What is the name of this object that is used to represent the spherical Earth?
- atlas
- globe ✓
- spinning ball

People have always disagreed about the shape of objects in space. Which of these statements about the Sun is true?
- The Sun is flat like a pancake.
- The Sun is round like a sphere. ✓
- The Sun doesn't have a shape because it is always changing.
The Moon appears to change shape at different times of the month. Which statement about the Moon is true?
- The Moon looks like it changes shape but it is always a sphere. ✓
- The Moon looks like it changes shape but it is always a circle.
- The Moon looks like it changes shape so it is lots of different shapes.
Why do scientists say Earth, the Sun and the Moon are approximately spherical? What does approximately mean?
- exactly
- opposite
- almost ✓
How did the invention of flight (aeroplanes and hot air balloons) provide evidence about the shape of Earth?
- People could get much higher above the surface of Earth. ✓
- People could move much faster across the sky.
- People became much braver to make new discoveries.
Which is something that can be used to send images of objects in space back to Earth?
- microscope
- satellite ✓
- magnifying glass
Images and measurements taken from space provide us with evidence. What does evidence mean?
- Information that gives you directions to somewhere on Earth.
- Information that has been made up.
- Information that helps you decide if something is true. ✓

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Throughout history, people have disagreed about the shape of objects in space, such as planets, moons and stars.
The Earth, Sun and Moon are approximately spherical in shape.
Images and measurements taken from space provide evidence to help us understand the shape of objects in space.

Pupils may think that objects in space are flat, circular shapes rather than spherical.

Provide plenty of opportunities for children to use 3D models to represent the Earth, Sun and Moon, and look at images and simulations.

Earth - Earth is the planet on which we live
Sun - The Sun is a star and the centre of our solar system
Moon - Our Moon is an object that travels around planet Earth
Spherical - A shape that is spherical is perfectly round like a ball
Evidence - Evidence is information which helps us to prove that something is true or not true