Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will understand how the sun can be used to determine direction.

Materials and Prep

Materials: A compass

Prep: Make sure you have a clear view of the sky with the sun visible.

Activities

• Sun Shadow Experiment: Place a stick in the ground and mark where its shadow falls. Check back every hour to see how the shadow moves.
• Sunrise and Sunset Observation: Note the direction of the sunrise and sunset. How does this change throughout the year?
• Compass Navigation: Use a compass to find north. Compare this with where the sun rises and sets.

Talking Points

• What is the Sun?
  "The sun is a star that provides light and heat to our planet."
• How does the Sun Help with Direction?
  "The sun rises in the east and sets in the west. By observing the sun's position, we can determine which way is which."
• Why does the Sun Change Position?
  "The Earth rotates on its axis, causing the sun to appear to move across the sky."
• What is a Compass?
  "A compass is a tool that points towards the Earth's magnetic north pole, helping us find direction."
• How can we use the Sun and a Compass Together?
  "By combining the knowledge of the sun's movement with a compass, we can accurately determine our direction at any time of day."