Using flashlights and graph paper, students compare the amount of light that covers a surface that is flat and a surface that is slanted. They explain how the Earth's seasons are caused by the differences in the angle of the sun's rays striking the Earth. 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.