Sunlight, Moonlight, Day and Night
Goal: Compare day and night and use a simple model to explore Earth turning in sunlight.
Do together
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Notice daylight safely
You need: Paper and a pencilLook at daylight on the ground through a safe window, never at the Sun. Later, compare the view after dark with an adult. Draw one difference. If the Moon is already clearly visible away from the Sun, notice it; there is no need to search.
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A turning Earth model
You need: A large ball and adult-held torch, or paper and crayonsAn adult shines a torch at a ball and slowly turns it in place. Follow one mark as it faces the light, then turns away. This models day and night. Without these objects, draw the lit and unlit sides together and explain Earth's turning.
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Our Moon record
You need: Paper and crayonsAt a safe time chosen by an adult, draw the Moon if visible. Write day or night beside it together. If it is not visible, record that instead. Explain that moonlight is sunlight reflected from the Moon; the Moon does not switch on at night.
Talk about it
- Which side of our model receives light?
- What happens to our mark as Earth turns?
- Can we sometimes see the Moon during the day?
Words to use
- Sun
- Moon
- Earth
- day
- night
- turn
- sunlight
- reflect
Play (optional)
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Day & Night
Day & night
Your child can…
Tick each one when you see it, and write the date. Move on when most are ticked.
We noticed:
wasilearn.com/learn/kg-2/sunlight-moonlight-day-and-night · free home learning, ages 2–7