New
New
Year 5
Why we have day and night
You can explain why we have day and night.
New
New
Year 5
Why we have day and night
You can explain why we have day and night.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- The axis is an imaginary straight line which goes through the centre of the Earth from the North to the South Pole
- Day and night are due to the Earth rotating on its axis
- It is daytime when the Earth is facing the Sun and night time when the Earth is facing away from the Sun
- The Earth takes 24 hours to rotate on its axis
- Models can be used to demonstrate how the Earth's rotation causes day and night
Keywords
Earth - The Earth is a planet on which we live
Sun - The Sun is a star and the centre of our solar system
Rotate - To rotate is to turn or spin
Axis - The Earth’s axis is the imaginary line through its centre, from North pole to South pole
Model - A model is used to describe something that can’t be experienced directly
Common misconception
Pupils may think that we have night when the Earth is facing the Moon or the Sun goes behind clouds.
Provide plenty of opportunities for pupils to use models to show the Earth rotating on its axis, next to a bright torch or lamp for the Sun.
Models to help pupils understand day and night are best used in a darkened room. For the Earth, balls on sticks work better than balls on string, as they are more stable and easier to rotate at a constant speed.
Teacher tip
Equipment
See Supplementary Resources for detailed guidance.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
- Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on
Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
This object in space is called the .
Q2.
Which object would not be good to make a model of the Sun?
a beach ball
a bowling ball
Q3.
Without the Sun, there would be no life on Earth. The Sun gives us warmth and .
Q4.
Starting with the Sun, put these objects in order of size.
Q5.
How many hours are there in one day?
12 hours
365 hours
Q6.
Where would you find the North Pole and South Pole of Earth?
At the start and finish of Earth
At the sides of Earth
All the way around Earth
Exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
What is the imaginary line through the centre of Earth called?
equator
horizon
Q2.
How does Earth move to cause day and night?
Earth bounces up and down on its axis.
Earth swings forwards and backwards on its axis.
Q3.
It is day time when your part of Earth is facing the .
Q4.
Which statement correctly explains why we have night time on Earth?
At night time, our part of Earth is facing the Moon.
At night time, the Sun goes behind the clouds.
Q5.
How long does it takes for Earth to rotate once on its axis?
24 minutes
24 days
24 weeks
Q6.
Which object could you use for the Sun's light in a model to show why we have day and night?
a mirror
a yellow plate
Additional material
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