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Day and night - Changing shadows

Science Year 5
This unit is part of Year 5 Science Space Presenters

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Objectives

Can you demonstrate that the Earth spins on its own axis? Prof Cox is keen that you set up an investigation for this one, tracking the sun through shadows.

Science Objectives
i) Use the idea of the Earth’s rotation to explain day and night and the apparent movement of the sun across the sky.

Working Scientifically
Plan different types of scientific enquiries to answer questions, including recognising and controlling variables where necessary.

  1. Take measurements, using a range of scientific equipment, with increasing accuracy and precision, taking repeat readings when appropriate.
  2. Record data and results of increasing complexity using tables and bar graphs.
  3. Report and present findings from enquiries, including conclusions, causal relationships and explanations of and degree of trust in results, in oral and written forms.
  4. Identify scientific evidence that has been used to support or refute ideas or arguments.

Lesson Planning

Teaching

  • Plan a shadow investigation.
  • Observe, measure, record and identify patterns for changing shadows throughout a day.
  • Present scientific evidence in the form of a working ‘shadow clock’ model.

Activities

  1. Carry out shadow investigations that help support the idea that the Earth moves on its axis.
  2. Observe, measure and identify patterns in changing shadows across a day.
  3. Record a working model of a ‘shadow clock’ offering observations and scientific explanation.

Investigation - observing over time
Create a shadow clock to explore day and night.

Vocabulary
Earth, Sun, star, rotate/rotation, spin, axis, night and day, shadow clocks, sundials, astronomical clocks opinion/fact, variables, accuracy, precision, support/refute

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