globe and a flashlight

Science

• The child learned about the Earth's shape and the concept of continents and oceans by observing the globe.
• By using the flashlight to represent the sun, the child learned about day and night and the concept of rotation of the Earth.
• The child also learned about the concept of shadows and how they are formed by using the flashlight and different parts of the globe.
• Exploring the globe and the flashlight helped the child understand the basic concept of the Earth's relationship with the sun and its rotation.

After the activity, encourage the child to explore different time zones and how the Earth's rotation affects the time of day in different parts of the world. You can also help the child make a simple model of the solar system to expand their understanding of how the Earth orbits the sun. Encourage the child to continue observing shadows in different lighting conditions to deepen their understanding of how they are formed.

Book Recommendations

• The Sun is My Favorite Star by Frank Asch: A story about a bear who experiences different seasons and times of day, which can help reinforce the concept of the Earth's rotation and relationship with the sun.
• Me and My Place in Space by Joan Sweeney: This book introduces children to the concept of Earth, the solar system, and their place in the universe in a fun and informative way.
• The Magic School Bus Inside the Earth by Joanna Cole: Join Ms. Frizzle's class on a field trip inside the Earth to learn about geology, which can further expand the child's understanding of the Earth's structure.