English National Curriculum - Science Science

4. Explain the Earth’s rotation and night and day

Mission Objectives

Understand that time can be different in various parts of the world

Understand how time can be recorded using a ‘solar clock’

Understand how the Sun transitions across the sky

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Rocket Words Quiz

See if you know all the meanings of the rocket words

Assessment Quiz

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Word Search Game

Find all the rocket words in the grid

Lesson Resources

Lesson Plan

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Keywords

Words and meanings to learn

gnomon

the raised part of the sundial that causes a shadow

shadow

a dark figure or image cast on the ground or surface by a body intercepting light

sundial

a device that uses the light of the Sun to show the time of day

dial

a plate, disc, face or other surface containing markings or figures to indicate times of the day

time zone

one of 24 parts that the world is divided into so that different places can set their clocks correctly

This lesson has been written by

Matthew Willsher

Matthew is an experienced and qualified educator, with a background in both classroom and outdoor settings. He is passionate about making learning engaging for all involved and creates content which enhances children’s experiences in education and those delivering it. With a strong belief in the value of education, Matthew recognises the importance of enabling children and adults to access any curriculum content with ease, regardless of their backgrounds. In his spare time, Matthew loves being with family and friends; additionally, he has a keen interest in the performing arts and volunteers time as a voice-over artist.

Required Resources

Resources: A compass, class presentation, card, scissors, glue, long wooden kebab skewers and time zone data.

Support Handout (1): Page 1 contains a cut-out sundial for the children to complete the experiment. Page 2 contains a table to fill in and questions to answer on time zones. 

Core Handout (2): As above, with the omission of 12 on the sundial face and slightly more complex questions. 

Stretch Handout (3): A table of predictions and results for the children to fill in. 

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