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Spinning Around the Sun Role Play

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) saw both the Moon (upper right) and the Earth (upper left) partially block the sun (Sept. 1, 2016 at 7:33 UT). Just before this image was taken, the Earth totally blocked the sun for a while.
PIA21028
Levels
  • Introductory (K-5)
Material Type
  • Interactive/Game/Simulation
  • Lesson Plan
Heliophysics Big Ideas
  • Big Idea 1.1 – The Sun is really big…
  • Big Idea 2.2 – The Sun defines the space…
  • Big Idea 2.3 – The Sun is the primary source of light…
NGSS
  • ESS1 - Earth's Place in the Universe
Heliophysics Topics
  • Solar System
  • Sun
Heliophysics Missions
  • Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO)
  • Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO)
Material Cost per Learner $1 – $5
Language English

Lesson Plan | Grades K-5 | This kinesthetic lesson plan engages elementary students in space science units by having them role-play the rotation and revolution of the Sun, Earth, and Moon. This active learning approach helps students visualize complex astronomical movements and understand how the Sun's gravity influences objects in our solar system. Educators can seamlessly integrate this activity into Earth's Place in the Universe lessons, prompting students to physically move and simulate planetary orbits to grasp foundational heliophysics concepts.

Credit: UAF

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