Modeling Earth Science Instructional Plan

To model how Earth's rotation on its axis causes night and day to occur and how Earth's tilt on its axis as it revolves around the sun, I decided to use the following online animation: http://esminfo.prenhall.com/science/geoanimations/animations/01_EarthSun_E2.html. While my students were viewing the animation a few times, I had them draw diagrams to show Earth's position during each of the four seasons.

After students completed their diagrams, I had them each write a detailed paragraph that fully described what causes night and day to occur on Earth and what causes the change of seasons on Earth. I was slightly disappointed in the overall quality of the written work my students completed. Next time I use this lesson, I plan to use a rubric so my students will know exactly what is expected out of them.


When all students were completed with both assignments, I had them work in small groups using a flashlight and inflatable globe to model Earth's tilt and position during each season. Unfortunately, since I did not want to use a flash when taking these pictures I was only able to get one that was worth posting.