GoalExplain that the Sun only seems to move, because the Earth turns, and that this gives us day and night.
New words
Earth · the planet we live onturn · to spin round slowlynight · the time when our part of the Earth faces away from the Sun
Explanation
The Sun looks as if it moves, but really it is the Earth that turns. The Earth slowly spins, once every day, like a spinning ball. When you ride on a roundabout, the playground seems to go past you. In the same way, the Sun seems to go across the sky, because we are turning. When our part of the Earth faces the Sun, it is day. When our part turns away from the Sun, it is night. Then the Earth turns us back towards the Sun, and morning comes again. Never look straight at the Sun, even when you want to find out more about it.
Worked examples
When Yuki sits in a train that is moving, the trees outside seem to run backwards. In the same way, the Sun seems to move because the Earth turns under it.
In Uzbekistan it is day when the Earth turns that country towards the Sun. At the same time, it is night on the other side of the Earth.
The Sun does not go to sleep at night. It is still shining. We just cannot see it, because our part of the Earth is facing away.
Class activity
Turning Earth (with an adult): in a dark room, a grown-up holds a torch to be the Sun. You are the Earth. Stand in front of the torch and turn round slowly, once. When do you face the torch? When do you face away? What does it tell you about day and night? Do not shine the torch into anyone’s eyes.
Practice
1
Does the Sun really move across the sky? Explain.
No. It only seems to move. The Earth is turning.
2
When our part of the Earth faces away from the Sun, is it day or night?
Night.
3
How often does the Earth turn round?
Once every day (once in 24 hours).
4
Yuki says: “At night the Sun goes to sleep.” What would you tell her?
The Sun keeps shining all the time. At night our part of the Earth has turned away from it, so we cannot see it.
