TV on a Rolling Cart

How do we know the Earth is round?

From Mystery Doug

How do we know the Earth is round?
7 minK1st2nd3rd4th5thScience
access

Summary

Mystery Doug takes on a real kid's question -- "How do we know the Earth is round?" -- and follows the clues. We know Earth is round from ships dipping over the horizon, its round shadow, and photos taken from space. A quick five-minute watch to spark curiosity and kick off a conversation.

Viewer safety

All ages
Common Sense Media — not yet ratedIMDb Parents Guide — not yet rated

Our rating is a quick teacher-to-teacher guide — preview before showing.

Teaching resources

Discussion questions

Discussion

Doug investigates a question kids really asked: "How do we know the Earth is round?"

  1. What was Doug's answer to today's question, in your own words?
  2. What surprised you most about round, or what did you already know?
  3. What's one thing this makes you want to find out more about?

Quick work-a-long

Words to know: round, horizon, evidence.

Try it: Explain the answer to "How do we know the Earth is round?" to someone at home using these three words, then write down one new question it made you wonder.