Why do shadows look different in the summer than in the winter? What causes day and night? How can a sundial be used to tell time? Answer these questions and more through two engaging lessons about light and shadows. Fourth and fifth graders investigate, write, and build a sundial in their pursuit to learn about some of the sun's effects on the earth. 

Concepts

day, night, the speed of light, light, sundials, the sun, the earth's rotation

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Additional Tags

day and night, sundial, earth's rotation, speed of light, light and shadows, science

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Pros

• Includes cross-curricular math, writing, and science concepts
• Directions are clear and easy to follow for both teacher and learners

Cons

• Sundial activity requires a sunny day, which may be difficult in some regions at certain times of the year

Common Core

W.4.3.a W.5.3.a 4.MD.B.4 5.MD.B.2