Lesson Plan

Balancing Day and Night Plan

Students will uncover the science behind the spring equinox and understand why day and night are equal. They will explore the Earth’s tilt, orbit, and the resulting seasonal changes.

This lesson is crucial for building a foundational understanding of Earth’s movements and natural phenomena, empowering students to connect scientific concepts to observable events.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Pre-Class Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction and Engagement

10 minutes

Step 2

Interactive Exploration

20 minutes

Step 3

Wrap-Up and Reflection

5 minutes

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Slide Deck

Why Does Night Equal Day?

Introduce the concept of the equinox and its significance. Explain that the Earth's tilt and orbit cause equal day and night.

Earth's Tilt and Orbit

Show an illustration of the Earth with its tilted axis and position in orbit around the Sun. Highlight the alignment during the equinox.

Equinox Diagram

This slide shows a diagram of the Earth-Sun relationship during the equinox. Walk through each part of the diagram to explain how the sun is directly above the equator.

Shadow Experiment

Explain the shadow experiment briefly. Emphasize predictions and observations made during the experiment.

Review and Reflect

Summarize the key points: the Earth's tilt and orbit cause the phenomenon and underline the balance of light and dark as observed on Earth during the equinox.

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Activity

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Worksheet

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Why Does Night Equal Day?

Ana Luna

Tier 1
For Districts