Why we have day and night
You can explain why we have day and night.
Why we have day and night
You can explain why we have day and night.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The axis is an imaginary straight line which goes through the centre of the Earth from the North to the South Pole
- Day and night are due to the Earth rotating on its axis
- It is daytime when the Earth is facing the Sun and night time when the Earth is facing away from the Sun
- The Earth takes 24 hours to rotate on its axis
- Models can be used to demonstrate how the Earth's rotation causes day and night
Keywords
Earth - The Earth is a planet on which we live
Sun - The Sun is a star and the centre of our solar system
Rotate - To rotate is to turn or spin
Axis - The Earth’s axis is the imaginary line through its centre, from North pole to South pole
Model - A model is used to describe something that can’t be experienced directly
Common misconception
Pupils may think that we have night when the Earth is facing the Moon or the Sun goes behind clouds.
Provide plenty of opportunities for pupils to use models to show the Earth rotating on its axis, next to a bright torch or lamp for the Sun.
Equipment
See Supplementary Resources for detailed guidance.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
- Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
Loading...
Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
