On a model of the Earth, students attach a marker to each continent and to the equator. They hold a flashlight about 30 cm from the model, changing its position so it shines directly above each marker. They move the position of the globe and the flashlight to demonstrate how the sun strikes the Earth's surface at different times of the year to cause the four seasons. Students research the unique characteristics of a planet and present their findings to the class. Findings are recorded on a class chart, which is used to illustrate those features of the Earth that make it unique.
Students create dioramas to demonstrate the features unique to the day and night skies.
They demonstrate their scientific skills and processes when they make observations and report on their scientific investigations. Skills and processes Students build and use a model of the Earth, sun, and moon to explain day, night, and the seasons. The teacher looks for correct placement of the Earth, sun, and moon, and assesses students' abilities to demonstrate how day and night result from the relationship of the Earth to the sun. Knowledge Students research and complete a comparison chart of the Earth and another planet. The teacher assesses the students' charts by looking for clear descriptions of the other planet's features and of the unique features of Earth.