Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will understand that a year is one complete orbit of the Earth around the Sun, and they will be able to explain this concept using fun activities and their imagination.

Materials and Prep

• Open space for movement
• Imagination and creativity!

Before the lesson, it might be helpful to talk about the Sun and the Earth. Explain that the Earth is like a big ball that goes around the Sun, and that it takes a whole year for it to go all the way around!

Activities

• Earth's Dance:

  Have the student pretend to be the Earth. They can spin in a circle while walking around a designated "Sun" (which can be a spot on the ground). Explain how they are making one full orbit, which takes one year!

• Seasons Charades:

  Act out different seasons (spring, summer, fall, winter) and explain how they happen because of the Earth's position in its orbit around the Sun. The student can take turns acting out their favorite season!

• Sunshine Drawing:

  Have the student draw the Sun and the Earth. They can color the Earth blue and green, and draw arrows showing how it moves around the Sun. This will help them visualize the orbit!

Talking Points

• "Did you know that the Earth goes around the Sun? It takes one whole year to do that!"
• "When the Earth is on one side of the Sun, it’s summer for some places, and when it’s on the other side, it’s winter!"
• "Let’s pretend you are the Earth! Can you spin and walk around the Sun?"
• "Every time the Earth makes a full circle around the Sun, we get to celebrate a new year!"
• "What do you think happens to the Earth when it gets closer to the Sun? It gets warmer, right?"