Day and Night Cycle
What do all of these objects have in common? They all spin or rotate. The Earth rotates on its axis.
How is this globe similar to the Earth? Globe Model How long does it take the Earth to make one complete cycle or rotation on its axis?
Day and Night It is caused by the rotation of the Earth.It is caused by the rotation of the Earth. The side of the Earth that is facing the Sun has daylight, the side of the Earth away from the Sun has night.The side of the Earth that is facing the Sun has daylight, the side of the Earth away from the Sun has night. It takes 24 hours for the Earth to complete one rotation.It takes 24 hours for the Earth to complete one rotation. The Earth is tilted on its axis at a 23.5 degree angle. This tilt is the cause of direct and indirect rays hitting the Earth.The Earth is tilted on its axis at a 23.5 degree angle. This tilt is the cause of direct and indirect rays hitting the Earth. Watch the Earth spin on its axis. Earth
Areas on Earth receiving direct rays have warmer temperatures and those receiving indirect rays have cooler temperatures. Direct and Indirect Sun Rays
Revolution of the Earth The Earth revolves around the Sun due to the Sun’s gravitational pull.The Earth revolves around the Sun due to the Sun’s gravitational pull. The orbit is elliptical.The orbit is elliptical. The Earth's tilt stays constant.The Earth's tilt stays constant. The Earth completes one revolution approximately every 365 days.The Earth completes one revolution approximately every 365 days. The seasons we experience on Earth are related to the Earth's axis of rotation (tilt) and the position of the Sun.The seasons we experience on Earth are related to the Earth's axis of rotation (tilt) and the position of the Sun. Another important motion of the Earth is its revolution, or its movement in orbit around the Sun.
What Causes Earth’s Seasons? Earth’s axis is tilted 23.5 degrees – it always points in the same direction (Polaris, the North Star) as we orbit our Sun once a year.Earth’s axis is tilted 23.5 degrees – it always points in the same direction (Polaris, the North Star) as we orbit our Sun once a year. This tilt causes the hemispheres to alternate in the amount of our Sun’s light and heat they receive during the year.This tilt causes the hemispheres to alternate in the amount of our Sun’s light and heat they receive during the year. Click the link below to see an animation of the Earth revolving around the Sun.
Sun’s Movement Across the Sky When you wake up in the morning, in which direction do you see the Sun “rise”?When you wake up in the morning, in which direction do you see the Sun “rise”? In which direction is the Sun when it “sets” at night?In which direction is the Sun when it “sets” at night? Why does the Sun “rise” every 24 hours?Why does the Sun “rise” every 24 hours? The Sun appears to move from east to west during the day.
Shadows As the Sun “appears to move” across the sky a shadow appears and changes throughout the day. Why does the shadow move? Why does the shadow’s length change? Which picture shows the Sun directly above? What time will this occur?
Spinnin’ Round Spinnin’ round, Spinnin’ all the way. Oh what fun it is to spin, It gives us night and day! Ay! (Repeat) Sing to the tune of “Jingle Bells” Words written by Misty Mexia at Handley Elementary
Earth makes a revolution The Earth makes a revolution, And it takes it a year! Sing to the tune of “We wish you a merry Christmas” Words written by Misty Mexia at Handley Elementary
Can You Describe How Our Sun and Earth Move? Some aliens come from a planet that rotates in 5 Earth days. The daylight and darkness is different than ours.Some aliens come from a planet that rotates in 5 Earth days. The daylight and darkness is different than ours. Will they be able to adjust to our day and night?Will they be able to adjust to our day and night? Can you explain the movement of the Earth around the Sun ?Can you explain the movement of the Earth around the Sun ?
Credits Harvard UniversityHarvard University NASANASA Microsoft ClipartMicrosoft Clipart