Orbit Cycle Worksheet: Learn About Earth, Sun, and Moon!

How to use this worksheet

First, help your child color the Sun, Earth, and Moon pictures using bright, distinct colors so each one is easy to tell apart. Cut out each shape along the edges, then use a hole punch to make a hole in each piece as directed. Thread string or yarn through the holes along with beads to connect Earth's orbit around the Sun and the Moon's orbit around Earth, then hang or hold the finished model while talking through how each piece moves.

Materials needed

• Crayons or colored pencils
• Scissors
• Hole punch
• Beads
• String or yarn

Extension activities

• 1Turn off the lights and use a flashlight as the Sun to show how the Earth casts a shadow, creating day and night.
• 2Act out the orbit as a family: one person is the Sun, one walks slowly around them as Earth, and one circles Earth as the Moon.
• 3Look at the night sky together and talk about what phase the Moon is in that night.
• 4Read a simple picture book about the solar system and point out the Earth, Sun, and Moon in the pictures.