Investigate Day and Night | The Schools' Observatory

On Earth, night follows day and day follows night. But why?

Complete this fun investigation to find out!

By the end of this activity you will:

Have made a model of the Earth and the Sun
Have used your model to investigate why we have sunrise, day-time, sunset, and night-time
Be able to explain why we have day and night

To complete this activity you will need:

Some play-doh or modelling clay
A pencil
A torch
A partner to help you
Paper and pencils

A diagram of the Earth rotating around its axis and orbiting the Sun. A torch shining on a model of the Earth. The model is stuck onto a pencil that is spinning.

This work by The Schools' Observatory is licensed under All rights reserved

Approx Duration

15 - 30 mins

Have a go!

Work through the slides below to complete the investigation.
Click on the arrows at the bottom right to view the slides in full-screen mode.
Use the arrows either side of the slide number to navigate through the slides.
Read the text and answer any questions that appear on the screen.
Have a pen and paper ready to make notes and record your results.

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