Sun, Earth, Moon Calendar of Events

During this lesson students are going to take a look at moon phases and sunrise-sunset times in order to learn about daylight hours. Students discover that we do not always have the same amount of daylight each day. This lesson is best completed in December and January.

Weblink address (URL): 
Sun, Earth, Moon Calendar of Events

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

Students will:

  • explain why the amount of daylight hours vary greatly throughout the year.
  • discuss when and why the days begin to get shorter and longer at the winter solstice, spring equinox, summer solstice, and fall equinox.

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Applying
Extension suggestions: 

Students can select special days of the year, such as a birthday or holiday and determine the length of daylight on that day. Students could be asked to keep the calendars for an additional two weeks on their own. They would have to use the website to fill in their calendars.

Helpful Hints

Computers with Internet access needed.

References

Contributors: 
Anthony Goad
Originator: 
Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation