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⏺To spin on an axis

~Earth takes 24 hours (1 day) to rotate on its axis

~daytime facing the sun

~nighttime facing away from the sun

⏺To travel in a path around another object

~Earth revolves around the sun every 365 days (1 year)

⏺Earth’s axial tilt aka the tilt of the Earth creates seasons

~the sun is hitting Earth’s surface at different angles

~more direct sun rays = warmer temperatures = spring/summer months

For use by NNPS Department of Teaching and Learning and families only

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Curious Conversations

Can you tell me the four main phases of the moon? I always forget which comes first!
Can you show me with your body how the Earth rotates on its axis and revolves around the sun? Let’s act it out together!
So why do we have different seasons anyway? What’s going on with the Earth to make that happen?
If it’s winter, which part of the Earth do you think is starting to face the sun more?
How would you describe how the sun, Earth, and moon all move together? Can you picture it in your head?
Do you know what makes the ocean tides go in and out? What’s pulling on the water?
Which moon phases give us biggest tides? What about the lowest ones?

The Sun ☀️average-sized yellow star ☀️about 110 times the diameter of Earth ☀️approximately 4.6 billion years old	The Moon 🌑small, rocky satellite 🌑 ¼ the diameter of Earth; ⅛ of its mass 🌑extreme temperatures 🌑no atmosphere or water to support life	The Earth 🌎surface is constantly changing 🌎large amounts of life-supporting water and oxygen-rich atmosphere 🌎atmosphere protects to block out most of the sun’s rays

Gravity from the moon and sun pulls at the oceans causing tides.

Highest tides = full and new moons because the Earth, moon, and sun are in a line
Lowest tides = first and last/third quarter when Earth, moon, and sun create right angles

For use by NNPS Department of Teaching and Learning and families only