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Spinning Earth, Day, Night

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Lesson Plan

Spinning Earth, Day, Night Lesson Plan

Students will be able to explain that the Earth's rotation on its axis causes the cycle of day and night, and identify which part of the Earth experiences day or night at any given time.

Understanding the cause of day and night is fundamental to comprehending Earth's movements in space and how they affect our daily lives, natural phenomena, and timekeeping.

Audience

5th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Individual worksheet completion and diagramming.

Materials

Day and Night Worksheet, and Day and Night Worksheet Answer Key

Prep

Preparation Steps

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction to Day and Night (5 minutes)

5 minutes

  • Begin by asking students what causes day and night. Allow for initial hypotheses.
    - Introduce the concept of Earth's rotation and explain that it's the primary cause of day and night. (Refer to Spinning Earth, Day, Night Slides for visual aid)

Step 2

Worksheet Activity (20 minutes)

20 minutes

  • Distribute the Day and Night Worksheet to each student.
    - Explain that this is an individual activity to help them understand the concept.
    - Guide students to read the introduction and answer the questions, including drawing a diagram.
    - Circulate around the room to provide individual support and answer questions as needed.

Step 3

Wrap-up and Discussion (5 minutes)

5 minutes

  • Briefly review the answers to the worksheet questions, perhaps by asking a few students to share their responses (without singling anyone out).
    - Emphasize the key takeaway: Earth's rotation causes day and night.
    - Collect completed worksheets.
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Worksheet

Day and Night: Earth's Great Spin!

Have you ever wondered why we have day and night? It might seem like the sun moves across the sky, but it's actually our Earth that's constantly moving! This worksheet will help you understand the amazing science behind day and night.

The Earth's Rotation

Our Earth is like a giant spinning top. It's always rotating, or turning, on an imaginary line called its axis. This rotation is what gives us day and night!

Imagine you're holding a flashlight (the Sun) and spinning a globe (the Earth). Only one side of the globe is lit up by the flashlight at a time, right? The same thing happens with Earth and the Sun.

  • The side of Earth facing the Sun experiences day because it's bathed in sunlight.
  • The side of Earth facing away from the Sun experiences night because it's in shadow.

It takes Earth approximately 24 hours to complete one full rotation. This is why a day has 24 hours! As Earth spins, different parts of it are exposed to the sun's light, creating a cycle of day and night.

Questions:

  1. What causes day and night on Earth?





  2. Imagine you are standing on the side of Earth facing the Sun. Would it be day or night for you? Explain why.










  3. How long does it take for the Earth to complete one full rotation?


  4. If the Earth stopped spinning, what would happen to day and night? Describe what it might be like on Earth.











  5. Draw a simple diagram showing the Sun and Earth, illustrating which part of Earth is experiencing day and which is experiencing night. Label the Sun, Earth, Day, and Night.




















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Slide Deck

Spinning Earth, Day, Night

Ever wondered why the sun seems to move across the sky?
### What causes the magic of sunrise and sunset, bringing us day and night?

Welcome students and pique their curiosity about the topic. Ask them what they already know or think causes day and night. Encourage initial thoughts and ideas.

Earth's Amazing Rotation!

  • Earth is always spinning! Just like a basketball on a finger.
    - This spin is called rotation.
    - It spins around an imaginary line called an axis.

Explain Earth's rotation using the analogy of a spinning top or a globe and a flashlight. Emphasize that Earth itself is moving, not the sun.

Day vs. Night: The Light Show

  • Day: The side of Earth facing the Sun gets light.
    - Night: The side of Earth facing away from the Sun is in shadow.
    - One full spin (rotation) takes about 24 hours – that's one whole day!

Clearly define day and night in relation to the sun's light. Use hand gestures or a prop (like an orange and a flashlight) to demonstrate if possible.

The Big Idea!

Day and night are caused by Earth's rotation on its axis.
### One side faces the Sun (day), the other faces away (night).

Summarize the main idea and transition to the worksheet activity. Reiterate that they will be exploring this concept further.

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Answer Key

Day and Night: Earth's Great Spin! - Answer Key

Questions:

  1. What causes day and night on Earth?

    Thought Process: The reading explains that Earth is always rotating, and this rotation is what gives us day and night. So, the direct cause is Earth's rotation.

    Answer: Day and night on Earth are caused by the Earth's rotation on its axis.

  2. Imagine you are standing on the side of Earth facing the Sun. Would it be day or night for you? Explain why.

    Thought Process: The text clearly states that the side of Earth facing the Sun experiences day because it's bathed in sunlight. If I am facing the sun, I am on that side.

    Answer: It would be day for me because the side of Earth facing the Sun receives sunlight, causing it to be daytime.

  3. How long does it take for the Earth to complete one full rotation?

    Thought Process: The reading explicitly states,

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Spinning Earth, Day, Night • Lenny Learning