Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Earth's Rotation

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students explore the Earth and its rotation. Volunteers model the sun-Earth system to demonstrate that the Earth rotates around the sun. In groups, students simulate "traveling" around the sun and discuss when it is night and day.
Unit Plan
1
1
NASA

The Science of the Sun

For Teachers K - 6th Standards
There's more to that glowing ball of light in sky than most children realize. From the overall structure of the solar system, to the changing of the seasons, these hands-on lessons open the eyes of young scientists to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Four Seasons - Earth's Rotation

For Teachers K - 3rd
Students identify characteristics in correlation with each season and identify dates of the changing seasons. They identify and describe how the Earth rotates around the sun and its effects on the temperatures of the earth.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Astronomy

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students explore the rotation of the Earth and observe the shapes of constellations. After discussing how the Earth moves. volunteers use a flashlight and globe to model the movement of the sun-Earth system. Using Digitalis technology,...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Is the Moon out tonight?

For Students K - 2nd
Learners talk or read about the way the moon travels across the sky. They then look at the picture of where the moon is and draw where it will be in the picture, later in the evening. Note: The worksheet is intended for third or fourth...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Does Santa Claus use the Coriolis Force to Travel East?

For Teachers K - 9th
Students are given a visual demonstration of the Coriolis Force in the Northern Hemisphere. They are encouraged to find locations around the globe and try to predict what the weather circulation patterns might be like.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Water and Ice: Part 1

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students observe the state changes in water. In this matter lesson, students observe, measure, and describe water as it changes state. Students explore how water can change from a solid to a liquid then back again. They journal their...
Website
Beacon Learning Center

Beacon Learning Center: As the Earth Turns

For Students Pre-K - 1st
Join Audrey on her learning adventure as she discovers how the Earth's rotation causes day and night.
Activity
Other

Center for Science Education: Eye on the Sky: What Makes Day and Night?

For Students Pre-K - 1st
This activity will allow you to model day and night cycles. A rotating student holding a map (provided) models the earth. A lamp is used to model the sun. Numerous worksheets (pdf) and additional website resources are also provided.
Activity
Other

Center for Science Education: Eye on the Sky: Motion of the Sun and Earth

For Students Pre-K - 1st
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.