Earth spins on its axis.

Meaning: The Earth rotates on an imaginary line that passes through its center.

Choice of Words: Earth is the third planet from the sun. Spins means to turn around on its own axis. On means in contact with or supported by a surface. Axis is an imaginary line through the center of a planet or other celestial body around which it rotates.

Alternative Expressions

Earth rotates around the sun.

Meaning: This means that Earth is constantly moving in a circular path around the sun. It's like when you walk around a track, except Earth is moving much faster and around a much bigger circle!

Choice of Words: Earth is the name of our planet. Rotates means to turn around and around, like a wheel. Sun is the star at the center of our solar system. So, when we say "Earth rotates around the sun," we mean that Earth is turning around and around the sun.

The sun rises in the east and sets in the west.

Meaning: This means that the sun appears to move across the sky from east to west every day. It's like when you watch a car drive down the street, except the sun is moving much farther away!

Choice of Words: Sun is the star at the center of our solar system. Rises means to move up into the sky. Sets means to move down into the sky. East is the direction where the sun rises. West is the direction where the sun sets. So, when we say "The sun rises in the east and sets in the west," we mean that the sun appears to move up into the sky in the east and down into the sky in the west.

Related Expressions