Why the Sun appears to move across the sky
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain why the Sun appears to move across the sky.
Key learning points
- It is dangerous to look directly at the Sun
- From Earth, the Sun looks like it moves across the sky in the daytime
- From Earth, the Sun looks like it disappears at night
- The Sun does not actually move around Earth, rather it is Earth that rotates on its axis
- We can observe shadows changing throughout the day because Earth is rotating
Keywords
Sun - The Sun is a star and the centre of our solar system.
Earth - Earth is the planet on which we live.
Rotating - Earth is always rotating, this means it is spinning on its axis.
Shadow - A shadow is formed when an opaque object blocks the light.
Observe - When we observe, we look closely and can use other senses too.
Common misconception
Children may believe that the Sun appears to move across the sky because the Sun moves around Earth
Provide plenty of opportunities for children to use models to see that it is Earth rotating that makes it look like the Sun is moving.
Teacher tip
It is important to choose a sunny day for children to safely observe the position of the Sun at different times of the day. It would be difficult for them to make observations when it is particularly cloudy.
Equipment
Solar viewers or glasses, torch (narrow beam), polystyrene ball, pencil, short stick (used match).
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Risk assessment required - equipment
Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Earth spins, or on its axis once every 24 hours.
Q2.Which word do scientists use to describe the skill of looking at something very closely?
Q3.When light shines on an object outside during the day, a shadow can form. Where does the light come from?
Q4.A person makes a shadow when they block light from the Sun because they are...
Q5.Which statement about shadows is true?
Q6.Which unit would you use for measuring the length of a very short shadow?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following must be used to look at the Sun safely?
Q2.Which statement is correct for why the Sun appears to move across the sky during the day?
Q3.Match the time of day with where the Sun appears in the sky.
Q4.From Earth, it looks like the Sun disappears every night. Which statement below is correct?
Q5.Which movement in space causes the shadows on Earth to change during a day?
Q6.Match each time of day to the correct length of shadow.
To help you plan your 5 science lesson on: Why the Sun appears to move across the sky, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 science lesson on: Why the Sun appears to move across the sky, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 science lessons from the Earth, Sun and Moon unit, dive into the full primary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.