Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Kinesthetic Astronomy: Earth's Rotation
This kinesthetic activity will demonstrate concepts like rotation and orbit, clarify movement and direction, and help learners understand why earthlings see different things in the sky.
NASA
Nasa: Imagine the Universe: Speed of Earth's Rotation
Presents an informative answer to the question "What is the speed of the turning of the Earth?"
BBC
Bbc Schools: Ks2 Bitesize: Science: Physical Processes: Earth, Sun, and Moon
Help Sarah Jane and her team put the solar system's planets back in order. Following the activity, read more about the sun, the Earth, and its moon, and then take a quick quiz to check for understanding.
Harvard University
Harvard University: Eye on the Sky, Feet on the Ground
An ebook filled with information and classroom activities covering several astrological topics such as the Earth's rotation and the solar system. Many tips and teaching tools are available to aid in discovering what the sky has to offer.
Scholastic
Scholastic: Study Jams! Science: Our Solar System: A Day on Earth
A video and a short multiple-choice quiz on how the Earth's tilt on its axis, its rotation, and its orbit around the Sun give us a 24-hour day, a 365-day year, and our seasons.
Sophia Learning
Sophia: Earth and Sun
A slideshow exploring Earth's rotation and revolution around the sun. Learn that because of Earth's axis tilt we experience the seasons!
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Fifth Grade Science: Earth Science: Earth's Motion in Space
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Discusses the motion of the Earth with its day and night cycle, the seasons, the Earth's orbit around the Sun, and its year-long cycle.
Project Britain
Primary Homework Help: Earth and Space Quiz
This resource provides information about Earth and space. In addition, there is a quiz provided.
Scholastic
Scholastic: Study Jams! Science: Weather & Climate: Seasons
A slideshow and a short multiple-choice quiz on the topic of seasons and how they are caused by the Earth's rotation and orbit.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Earth Science: Planets of the Solar System
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Examines the eight planets of our solar system, their orbits, and rotation.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Earth Science: Planets of the Solar System
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Examines the eight planets of our solar system and their orbits and rotation.
Other
Center for Science Education: Eye on the Sky: Motion of the Sun and Earth
Students model the interaction of the earth and the sun. The activity is designed for the playground. You will need chalk, but all the other worksheets are provided.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Plix: Seasons: Earth's Orbit
[Free Registration/Login Required] An interactive animation demonstrating the Earth's tilted axis and how that causes the seasons. Also included on the site is a short quiz on the topic.
Other
Astro Methods: Earth's Nutation Visualized
Nutation is a small cyclical motion superimposed upon the steady 26,000-year precession of the Earth's axis of rotation. It is mainly caused by the gravitational effect of the 18.6-year rotation period of the Moon's orbit. The main...
American Association of Physics Teachers
Com Padre Digital Library: Open Source Physics: Ballistics and Orbits Model
Experience a simulation of ballistic trajectories in relationship to Earth's orbit. Java 1.5 or more recent is required.
Utah Education Network
Uen: Reasons for the Seasons
Lesson plan addresses misconceptions about seasonal changes and Earth's orbit through a pre-lesson survey and follow-up experiments to scientifically study the answers to questions found in the survey. Includes great teacher background...
American Geosciences Institute
American Geosciences Institute: Astronomy
Eight hands-on lessons module in which students explore the characteristics of planet Earth, its moons, the sun, the solar system, planets, and the difference between science fact and science fiction.
Utah Education Network
Uen: As the World Turns
Third graders use their bodies to act out the motions of earth.
McREL International
Mc Rel: Earth's Axis [Pdf]
A worksheet regarding the path of the Sun around the Earth and the Earth's tilt on its axis.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Earth Science: Venus
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Learn about the distinctive features of the planet Venus.
Curated OER
Earth Rotates Toward the East
This site from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration provides a fun project on rockets. "Nothing in space stands still. Everything either orbits around something else, or moves toward or away from something else. So how do...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: Moon Journal Activity
Students use the process of journaling to make discoveries about the moon. This activity involves having students write observations about the moon in a journal. Using their observations they go to an online resource and choose...
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12 Exploration Series: Simulations: Physics: Clarke's Dream
[Free Registration/Login Required] Learn about geosynchronous orbits and their use in satellite communication.