TelluriumEarth & Sun Demonstration
The first photos are the maker's own. The other shots are illustrative.
Inv. no. NIE-085101
- Maker
- Nienhuis Montessori, since 1929
- Approval
- AMI
- Structure
- Wood and plastic
- Spheres
- Plastic with printed details
- EAN
- 8719924015152
Final price incl. VAT. Free delivery.
Advice, warranty and returns are handled by us.
Why it costs €283.90
Behind the price of the original are things you can check yourself.
AMI approval
The material is approved by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). Nienhuis has made Montessori materials since 1929.
A verifiable original
The EAN 8719924015152 is on the box. It is the maker's number, not ours.

Tellurium in a child's hands
Part of the Land & Water Forms collection, this sophisticated tellurium demonstrates the Earth-Sun-Moon relationship through precise mechanical movement, which means children can explore day/night cycles, seasons, and lunar phases. The model features a rotating Earth globe with detailed continents, a bright sun sphere, and an orbiting moon, all connected by a wooden beam mechanism that illustrates celestial mechanics through hands-on manipulation.
Spatial Reasoning
Understanding three-dimensional relationships between celestial bodies develops advanced spatial thinking and perspective-taking abilities.
Scientific Thinking
Manipulating the model to observe cause and effect relationships builds foundations for scientific inquiry and hypothesis testing.
Time Concepts
Connecting Earth's rotation to day/night and orbit to seasons helps children grasp abstract time concepts through concrete experience.
Cultural Geography
Observing how sunlight affects different continents introduces global awareness and understanding of time zones and seasons worldwide.
How to present it
Place the Tellurium on a low table where children can walk around it. Position the sun sphere at center, ensuring the wooden beam rotates smoothly. Check that Earth globe spins freely and moon orbits without obstruction.
- 1Introduce day and night by slowly rotating the Earth globe while shining a flashlight on the sun sphere
- 2Demonstrate one year by moving the wooden beam in a complete circle around the sun
- 3Show seasons by maintaining Earth's axial tilt while orbiting the sun
- 4Explore lunar phases by positioning the moon at different points in its orbit
3 tips for parents
- Observe shadows throughout the day and connect to Earth's rotation demonstrated on the Tellurium
- Track moon phases together using a calendar, then recreate positions with the model
- During seasonal transitions, reference the Tellurium to explain changing daylight hours
If you are not sure it suits your child, we answer in person.
Norbert Kovalčín, founder of Faborino · write to him
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What's in the Box
- Wooden base mechanism: with rotating platforms
- Sun sphere: yellow, approx. 10 cm diameter
- Earth globe: with continental details
- Moon sphere: on wire orbit arm
- Circular measurement scales: for time and season tracking
Size and material
| Packaging | 80 × 19 × 20 cm |
| Structure | Wood and plastic |
| Spheres | Plastic with printed details |
| Scales | Paper/cardboard |
| Recommended Age | 3-6 years |
Care
Wipe with dry cloth; avoid moisture on paper components
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tellurium model appropriate for children ages 3-6?
Yes, this tellurium is specifically designed for early childhood education. The mechanical movements are smooth and safe for small hands, while the concepts can be introduced concretely through hands-on manipulation, making abstract celestial relationships accessible to young learners.
What specific concepts can children learn with this tellurium?
Children can explore day and night cycles by rotating the Earth, understand seasons through the Earth's tilted axis, observe lunar phases as the moon orbits, and grasp the relationship between the Sun, Earth, and Moon through direct manipulation of the model.
How durable is this educational tellurium for classroom use?
The tellurium features a sturdy wooden beam mechanism and quality construction designed for repeated classroom use. The rotating components move smoothly without requiring excessive force, making it suitable for daily demonstrations and independent exploration by young children.
Does this model require assembly or batteries?
The tellurium comes fully assembled and ready to use. It operates entirely through manual manipulation - no batteries or power source needed. Children simply turn the handles or move the components by hand to demonstrate celestial movements.
How accurate are the proportions and movements in this model?
While the model maintains scientifically accurate movement patterns and relationships, the sizes are not to scale to ensure visibility and manipulability for young children. The Earth's tilt, rotation direction, and orbital mechanics are correctly represented for educational purposes.
Product safety
Manufacturer: Nienhuis Montessori, Anders Celsiusstraat 15, 7442 PB Nijverdal, Netherlands
Tellurium