Day and night | Year 5 Science PDF Download

Introduction

• The Earth spins on an invisible line known as its axis. This axis is like an imaginary pole running from the North Pole to the South Pole. It completes one full rotation every 24 hours, giving us day and night.
• The Earth's axis is an imaginary line around which it rotates.
• Day and night are caused by the Earth's rotation and how sunlight hits different parts of the planet.

Understanding Day and Night

• Day and night are a result of the Earth's rotation on its axis.
• When a specific part of the Earth faces the Sun, it experiences daylight, while the opposite side experiences darkness, which we call night.
• This rotation creates the cycle of 24 hours, with approximately 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness.

Modeling the Earth and Sun

• A simple experiment involves using a ball to represent the Earth, a lamp as the Sun, and observing the effects of the Earth's rotation.
• By spinning the ball while facing the lamp, students can understand how day and night occur based on which side is illuminated by the "Sun."
• This hands-on activity helps in visualizing how different parts of the Earth experience day and night at various times.

Concept of Day and Night

• Day and night are fundamental concepts governed by the Earth's rotation and its position relative to the Sun.
• For example, locations on the side facing the Sun experience daytime, while those on the opposite side have nighttime.
• Understanding this phenomenon is crucial in comprehending time zones and the varying lengths of days throughout the year.