Day and Night Workshop


Introduction

In this workshop you use a simulation to help you find understand why we experience night and day on Earth. You can run the Day and Night simulator in another window on your computer desktop alongside this workshop.

Steps to take ...


  1. Click here to open another window on your desktop and run a copy of the Day and Night simulator.

    You are now running this workshop in one window and the Day and Night simulator in another.

    You can click between windows as you progress through the workshop.


    2. Day and Night

    Screenshot of Day and Night Movie

  2. The first thing you are asked to do with the Day and Night simulator is to select from one of the following:

    Spring   Summer   Autumn   Winter

    Select Spring.

  3. You are now going to watch a movie!

    The first movie is the Sun and Stars, so select small movie just below the Sun and Stars picture.

    Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the GET MOVIE button.

    It will take a short time to download so be patient!

    START THE MOVIE

  4. Now let's ask ourselves a few queations

    Where does the Sun rise - from the North, South, East or West?

    At what time does the Sun rise in the morning? (Hint - Pause the movie at sunrise and read the time).

    At what time does the Sun set?

    In what direction is the Sun when it is at its highest point in the sky (North, South, East or West)?

    What do you notice about the stars during the night?


    5. Spinning Globe

    Screenshot of Spinning Globe Movie

  5. Now that you have seen the changes in the sky both during the day and at night let's see what causes all this movement in the sky.

    Wait for the movie to download.

    START THE MOVIE

    You can see the changes in the sky as before but this time there is an animation of the Earth spinning on its axis.

    Can you see the person standing on the Earth?

    She is standing on the British Isles and is looking out into space.

  6. Answer the following questions?

    • Where do you think the Sun is
      • ?

    • Why is the back of the Earth in darkness?

    • What causes the Sun to appear to move in the sky during the day?

    • What causes the stars to appear to move during the night?

    If you are not sure discuss what you are seeing with a friend or your teacher and work it out together.

    • What is happening when the Sun begins to rise in the sky in the morning?

    • What is happening when the Sun begins to set in the evening?

  7. Select a new season for your movie (try winter).

    How does the length of the day change? Give a brief description.

    Does the Sun rise and set at the same point on the horizon? Give a brief description.

You have now completed this workshop . . .


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