K-6 Science for the Next Generation

Lesson Plans
Sunrise and Sunset

Learning Objectives

  • Understand that the Sun appears to move across the sky due to Earth's rotation.
  • Identify the pattern of sunrise and sunset as part of the day-night cycle.
  • Recognize that the Sun does not actually move, but appears to rise and set because of Earth's rotation.

Introduction and Hook

Read-Along with Narration: Start the lesson by exploring the concept of sunrise and sunset in the Learn tab. This introduction helps students understand the Earth's rotation and how it causes the Sun to appear to move across the sky.

Go to the Lesson

Discussion Starter: Ask students if they have ever noticed the Sun's position in the sky at different times of the day and what they think causes this change.

Direct Instruction

Watch Videos: Use the following videos to explain the Earth's rotation and how it leads to the day-night cycle:

Video thumbnail
Video thumbnail

Explain the Concept: Discuss how the Earth's rotation causes the Sun to appear to rise and set, reinforcing the idea that the Sun itself is not moving.

Guided Exploration

Interactive Discussion: Encourage students to share their observations of the Sun's movement and relate it to the Earth's rotation.

Visual Aid: Use diagrams and models to illustrate how the Earth's rotation leads to the cycle of day and night.

Hands-On Activity

Modeling Day and Night: Use a flashlight and a globe to demonstrate how the Earth's rotation causes different parts to experience day and night.

Printable Worksheets: Download and use activities such as 'Modeling Day and Night' to reinforce the concept.

Assessment thumbnail

Independent Practice

Observing the Sky: Have students observe the Sun's position at different times of the day and record their observations.

Sunrise to Sunset Activity: Encourage students to predict the Sun's position at specific times based on their observations.

Check for Understanding

Guided Questions: Ask students to explain why the Sun appears to move across the sky and how this relates to the Earth's rotation.

Review Key Concepts: Reinforce the understanding that the Sun's apparent movement is due to Earth's rotation.

Review and Reflection

Class Reflection: Discuss as a class what was learned about sunrise and sunset and how it relates to the day-night cycle.

Reflective Journaling: Have students write a short reflection on what they found most interesting about the Earth's rotation and its effects.

Assessment and Extension

Unit Quiz: Test comprehension by using the Unit Quiz at the end of the Earth and Space Patterns unit.

Try the Quiz

Assessment Pack: For a more comprehensive review, download the complete assessment pack that includes answer keys for easy correction.

Get the Assessment Pack

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