The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project
Create a Working Model of Earth’s Rotation and Revolution
Create a Working Model of Earth’s Rotation and Revolution
A 5th & 6th Grade STEM lesson
Author: Elsa Costello
Date: 1/22/23
Notes for teachers
Notes:
Students will have a variety of resources available for them to use. Not all materials will be used but it is important to give students choice when choosing the materials for this project.
List of Materials
Standards
5-ESS1.B: Earth and the Solar System
The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night.
5-ESS1-2
Patterns of daily changes in the length and direction of shadows,
day and night, and the seasonal appearance of some stars in the
night sky.
Standards
Students observe and develop models to help visualize the motion of the Earth in relation to the sun and other planets.
Students observe and discuss evidence that Earth is rotating on its axis and evidence that Earth is orbiting the Sun (vs. the Sun orbiting the Earth).
Crosscutting Concepts Connections to Classroom Activity Patterns (3-ESS2-1, 3-ESS2-2)
Similarities and differences in patterns can be used to sort, classify, communicate and analyze simple rates of change for natural phenomena.
Objective(s):
Today students will be creating a working model demonstrating Earth’s rotation and revolution.
Students will be able to explain the differences between Earth’s rotation and
revolution.
Students will be able to present and explain their model.
Agenda (4 days 50-60 minute class sessions)
Engage: Engage students with globe rotation (10-15 min)
Explore: ( 5 min) Partner Activity
Explain: (20 min) Videos on Rotation and Revolution
Elaborate (STEM Challenge) 20 min
Evaluate: Students Present Working Models to the class or younger grade level
Extension: What would happen if the Earth stopped spinning? Show video
On days 2-4 students will be working on models of Earth’s rotation and revolution
On day 4 Students will be presenting to the class or teaching a younger class about Earth’s rotation and revolution
Intro/Driving Question/Opening
ENGAGE:
Every team should have an inflatable globe and flashlight on their desk.
How does the Earth have day and night? Can you explain this concept with your materials? What
questions does your team have about this concept? Make a question list on your
whiteboards or science journals.
Intro/Driving Question/Opening
Now I need a volunteer
Please act like the sun and stay put in the middle of the room.
Watch my motions
Now Find a Partner
One student will act out the sun’s role while the other will act like the Earth.
Which student has the more difficult task?
The Earth should be spinning and revolving around the sun at the SAME time. The Earth NEVER takes a break from doing this!
Now switch roles
What is the difference between spinning and orbiting?
Fun Fact
Did you know 1 revolution takes about 365 days or 365.25 to be exact!
Why do we need to include the .25?
Do you have an idea?
365.25 days for the Earth to make 1 FULL Revolution or Orbit around the Sun
This is a small difference but if you don’t correct it the calendar will fall out of sync with the seasons! In modern times, we added an extra day to the month of February every four years, which is called a Leap Year!
How many Revolutions has the Earth made in 12 years?
Vocabulary
"Rotation" refers to an object's spinning motion about its own axis.
"Revolution" refers the object's orbital motion around another object.
For example, Earth rotates on its own axis, producing the 24-hour day. Earth revolves about the Sun, producing a 365 day year.
Axis: An imaginary line that goes through the earth.
The earth is tilted at 23.5 degrees
Why do you think that is important?
Watch Earth’s Rotation
Earth rotation - Day Night cycle
Did you know our Earth is spinning at a constant rate, why don’t we feel it?
Earth spins on its axis once in every 24-hour day.
Watch: Earth's Axis
At Earth’s equator, the speed of Earth’s spin is about 1,000 miles per hour. This day-night spin has carried you around under the sun and stars every day of your life.
How long does 1 rotation take?
How many rotations happen in a week?
Explain
Hands-on Activity Instructions
Student STEM Challenge
Can you build a model of the Earth and the Sun that works and shows the differences between rotation and revolution.
Can you present your model and be able to explain each working part.
Student STEM Challenge
You have access to the following materials:
Which materials does your team need to be successful and complete your working model.
Student STEM Challenge
Be creative with this project! Sketch your design on the student lab sheet. Please make sure everyone on your team comes up with a design.
Talk with your team, collaborate together, and come up with a plan on how to build your working model.
Which materials are you going to use?
At the end of this lesson, each team will have 1 model to present and EACH student will have their planning lab page completed along with reflection questions.
Assessment
Each student will need to complete a planning page and answer reflection questions
Each team will be assessed on their model design.
Did each team follow the requirements for the working model
Use rubric included if desired
Student Examples
Ma
Differentiation
Students will be working in teams to complete this activity. If students need assistance they can ask questions and partner work to solve problems.
Some students may need assistance reading lab questions and reflection questions. The teacher can pull small groups of students if need be for further assistance.
Remediation
Extension/Enrichment
What would happen if the Earth stopped spinning?
Watch Video
What If the Earth Stopped Spinning Right
Have a class discussion on the video