Earth & space • Classes 6–8
Why does day become night?
A turning ball can help explain what you see from Earth.
Take your time. Speak, draw or write your answers.
Here is what is happening.
Earth rotates on its axis. A place facing the Sun has daylight; as Earth turns, that place can enter the unlit side. Rotation explains the daily cycle. Earth’s yearly orbit is a different motion.
Your little investigation
What you need
A ball and a torch with adult help. Keep light away from eyes; never look directly at the Sun.
Keep the torch still and mark one place on the ball.
Turn the ball slowly without moving it around the torch.
Describe when the marked place is lit and when it is dark.
What mainly causes the daily day–night cycle?
KEEP ASKING
All activities in your group Another question is waiting.
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Feeling temperature and measuring it are different things.
~12 minExplore
Keep the recipe in proportion
Double a recipe without changing its balance.
~10 minExplore
Fact, opinion or a question?
Before agreeing with a sentence, find out what kind of claim it makes.
~10 minExplore