Rotation vs. Revolution Activity

Rotation and revolution are both terms used to describe the movement of an object in relation to another object. Rotation refers to the movement of an object around its own axis, while revolution refers to the movement of an object around a larger object, such as a planet orbiting a star.

Teach Starter has created a sorting activity for your students to practice this Earth and space topic.

To play, cut apart the 20 sorting and header cards and place them in a working area. Students must read each example and determine if Earth’s rotation or revolution causes it. After placing the card under the correct category header, students can record their answers on the provided recording sheet.

Through this activity, students will show they can determine what examples are caused by Earth’s rotation and revolution.

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your science lessons. 

In addition to individual student work time, use this sorting activity to enhance learning through science centers, whole class lessons, or remote learning assignments. 

If you have a mixture of above and below-level learners, check out these suggestions for keeping students on track with the concepts: 

🆘 Support Struggling Students

If there are students who need additional support, encourage them to reference previous assignments, posters, or anchor charts to remind them of the difference between rotation and revolution.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

For students who need an additional challenge, encourage them to create a comic strip, illustrating the different effects of Earth’s rotation and revolution

🏃 Relay Race

Divide students into two team lines and show a flashcard to the students at the front of each line. The student that produces that identifies the example as an effect of rotation or revolution first wins the flashcard. The team with the most flashcards at the end of the game wins!

💃 Mirror Game🕺

This activity works best with small groups because you’ll need enough dry-erase boards and markers for each student. Divide your class into 2 groups seated in 2 lines facing each other. Project a task card and give students a set time to record if the example is due to Earth’s rotation or revolution on their board. On your cue, the students turn their boards around so their partner can see their answers. If both students in a pair have the correct answer, they get 2 points. If one has the correct answer, the team gets 1 point.

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or editable Google Slides version of this resource. A recording sheet and answer key are also included with this download. 

Print on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

Sustainability Tip: Print a few recording sheets on cardstock and slip them into dry-erase sleeves. Students can record their answers with a whiteboard marker, then erase and reuse them.  

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This resource was created by Melissa McLaren, a teacher in Massachusetts and a Teach Starter Collaborator. 

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Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities and resources that cut down on lesson planning time:  

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