Learning Target: I can demonstrate that Earth rotates on its axis once every 24 hours causing the day/night cycle and the apparent movement of the sun across the sky.
Think about these questions today as we review what we know about the Sun, moon, and Earth:
- What causes day and night on Earth?
- How long is one day?
- What is happening on the other side of the Earth while we experience day?
- Do we always have the same number of daylight hours?
- Why does the Sun appear to move across the sky? Is it really moving?
- How does Earth’s movement cause day and night cycles?
Vocabulary:
- axis
- rotate
- rotation
- Northern hemisphere
- Southern hemisphere
- equator
- shadow
Introduction:
- Website: Ancient Models of the World
Explore:
- Directions: How does Earth’s movement cause day & night?
- Virtual Lab: Day & Night Cycle
- Websit: Where is the Sun in the Sky?
Explain:
- Animation: Day and Night
- Video: Earth Spin Animation (1 hour)
- Animation: Earth-Sun Relationship (Click on “Show Earth Profile” bottom left.)
Evaluation:
Learn More:
- Study Jams: A Day on Earth
- Activity: Make a Sundial
- Video: Our Solar System (31 min.)
For Fun:
- Pixar Movie: Day and Night (5.5 min.)
