Earth Sun and Moon model

This interactive three-dimensional Orbiter Model vividly demonstrates the dynamic relationship between the Earth, Moon, and Sun, helping students visualise astronomical phenomena that are often challenging to grasp from diagrams alone. The model effectively shows how the Earth revolves around the Sun and how the Moon orbits the Earth, with both celestial bodies mounted on articulated metal rods that allow for manual manipulation. An internal LED light within the Sun simulates sunlight, enabling learners to directly observe how the angle and intensity of light changes throughout the year. This makes abstract concepts like the Earth's axial tilt, seasonal variation, and lunar phases much more tangible and memorable.

Educational benefits:

• Supports hands-on learning in Earth and space science
• Illustrates seasonal changes, solstices, equinoxes, and eclipses
• Helps explain the tilt of the Earth's axis and its effect on solar incidence
• Facilitates understanding of moon phases and tidal changes
• Encourages visual-spatial thinking and cause-and-effect reasoning

Classroom ideas:

• Use to simulate Earth's revolution and identify how seasons change over a year
• Demonstrate lunar phases and how eclipses occur using classroom lighting
• Engage students in predicting solstices and equinoxes on the labelled base
• Integrate with science journals where students record observations from experiments
• Use the model during inquiry-based lessons to promote discussion and questioning

Specifications:

• Features a 5.9" diameter Sun, 4" Earth, and 1" Moon
• Mounted on a sturdy base labelled with months and seasons
• Stands approximately 12.25" high, 16.25" wide, 4.75" deep
• Sun includes built-in LED light (requires 2 x AA batteries, not included)
• Includes a comprehensive experiment guide with 3 activities, worksheets, solstice and equinox charts
• Suitable for primary to secondary school students: