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Teaching pack · Year 6 Earth and space sciencesseegongsik /au

Earth, Sun and the Day-Night Cycle: a full term of science

Ten ready-to-teach lessons for Year 6 Earth and space sciences. Print this pack and the term is prepared: every lesson has a plan, talk prompts, a student worksheet, cards or tickets, and answers.

AC9S6U02
describe the movement of Earth and other planets relative to the sun and model how Earth’s tilt, rotation on its axis and revolution around the sun relate to cyclic observable phenomena, including variable day and night length

Start here: five minutes to Monday

  1. Skim the term at a glance on the next page.
  2. Print the lesson you need (plan, worksheet, cards).
  3. Gather everyday items under You need on the plan.
  4. Open the free interactive unit on your board.
  5. Teach from the plan: timings, prompts and answers are on one page.

No science background needed

Written for the busy generalist teacher. Plain words, common muddles, and model answers are on every plan. Safety: no open flames or boiling water unless an adult controls a warm-water step named on the plan.

On the board
This pack is the printable half of a free interactive unit. On-screen pictures include: “Spinning Earth makes day and night”, “Earth travels around the sun”, “A tilted axis changes the day length”, “The planets all circle the sun”, “Why summer days are longer than winter days”. Lesson plans name which picture to show.
seegongsik.com/au/y6/earth-and-space/AC9S6U02
Aligned to the Australian Curriculum V9 (AC9S6U02). Original material from seegongsik, not endorsed by ACARA. Descriptors (c) ACARA, CC BY 4.0. Free to print and use in class.
Term at a glance10 lessons

The term at a glance

One lesson a week for a term. Run in order where you can.

#LessonChildren learn and doOn screen
1Spinning Earth makes day and nightExplore the idea with talk, board and hands-on workSpinning Earth makes day and night
2Earth travels around the sunExplore the idea with talk, board and hands-on workEarth travels around the sun
3A tilted axis changes the day lengthExplore the idea with talk, board and hands-on workA tilted axis changes the day length
4The planets all circle the sunExplore the idea with talk, board and hands-on workThe planets all circle the sun
5Why summer days are longer than winter daysExplore the idea with talk, board and hands-on workWhy summer days are longer than winter days
6Deeper look: Spinning Earth makes day and nightExplore the idea with talk, board and hands-on workSpinning Earth makes day and night
7Deeper look: Earth travels around the sunExplore the idea with talk, board and hands-on workEarth travels around the sun
8Deeper look: A tilted axis changes the day lengthExplore the idea with talk, board and hands-on workA tilted axis changes the day length
9Deeper look: The planets all circle the sunExplore the idea with talk, board and hands-on workThe planets all circle the sun
10Show what we knowExplore the idea with talk, board and hands-on workEarth, Sun and the Day-Night Cycle

Curriculum links (Australian Curriculum V9)

The term teaches AC9S6U02. Lessons also work these Inquiry and Human Endeavour descriptors:

AC9S6I01pose investigable questions to identify patterns and test relationships and make reasoned predictions
AC9S6I02plan and conduct repeatable investigations to answer questions including, as appropriate, deciding the variables to be changed, measured and controlled in fair tests; describing potential risks; planning for the safe use of equipment and materials; and identifying required permissions to conduct investigations on Country/Place
AC9S6I03use equipment to observe, measure and record data with reasonable precision, using digital tools as appropriate
AC9S6I04construct and use appropriate representations, including tables, graphs and visual or physical models, to organise and process data and information and describe patterns, trends and relationships
AC9S6I05compare methods and findings with those of others, recognise possible sources of error, pose questions for further investigation and select evidence to draw reasoned conclusions
AC9S6I06write and create texts to communicate ideas and findings for specific purposes and audiences, including selection of language features, using digital tools as appropriate
AC9S6H01examine why advances in science are often the result of collaboration or build on the work of others
AC9S6H02investigate how scientific knowledge is used by individuals and communities to identify problems, consider responses and make decisions

Assessment

Get ready · Materials for the termOne shopping trip

Materials for the whole term

One gathering session covers all ten lessons. Prefer classroom and home items. No science cupboard required. Adult handles any warm water.

LessonYou need
1everyday classroom items named on the Day 1 plan; interactive unit open
2everyday classroom items named on the Day 2 plan; interactive unit open
3everyday classroom items named on the Day 3 plan; interactive unit open
4everyday classroom items named on the Day 4 plan; interactive unit open
5everyday classroom items named on the Day 5 plan; interactive unit open
6everyday classroom items named on the Day 6 plan; interactive unit open
7everyday classroom items named on the Day 7 plan; interactive unit open
8everyday classroom items named on the Day 8 plan; interactive unit open
9everyday classroom items named on the Day 9 plan; interactive unit open
10everyday classroom items named on the Day 10 plan; interactive unit open

Safety in one look

Get ready · Assessment kitRubric + checklist

Assessment without extra work

Lesson plans carry look-fors. Lesson 10 is summative. Use this sheet for ongoing notes.

The three levels

IdeaWorking towardsAt standardBeyond
Big ideanames an example with helpexplains the unit idea in Year 4 wordsapplies the idea to a new example
Evidenceguess onlylinks a claim to something observed or measuredcompares two pieces of evidence
Science wordseveryday words onlyuses unit words correctlyexplains a word to a partner
Inquiry habitfollows steps with supportplans or records with the scaffoldsimproves a plan after a first try

Class observation checklist

NameIdeaEvidenceWords

A tick a lesson is plenty.

Word wall (cut out)

Word wall cards

Cut out and build the wall as words arrive across the term.

observe

notice with our senses

record

write or draw what we found

predict

a good guess with a reason

fair test

change one thing, keep the rest the same

evidence

what we measured or saw

pattern

something that happens again

property

a feature we can observe

force

a push or a pull

material

what something is made of

habitat

where a living thing lives

cycle

a pattern that goes round again

conclude

say what the evidence shows

A note home

Dear families

This term in science, Year 6 explores earth, sun and the day-night cycle. We use observation, simple tests and clear science words. Ask: What did you notice today? What evidence did you use?

Try this at home

Warm regards,

The Year 6 team

seegongsik.com/au/y6/earth-and-space/AC9S6U02/pack

Lesson 1 · Teacher planLesson 1 of 10

Spinning Earth makes day and night

Children explore “Spinning Earth makes day and night” with talk, the board picture, and a short paper task. About 60 minutes, or two 30-minute sessions.

We are learning to

Success criteria

You need

Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)

10 minHook
Quick oral examples linked to the unit story.

Ask: What do you already know that might help today?

15 minOn the board
Open “Spinning Earth makes day and night”. Step the controls while children predict.

Ask: What changed? What stayed the same?

20 minWorksheet
Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below.
15 minShare and exit
Two children share. Class finishes the exit sentence.

Ask: In one sentence, what was today’s idea?

Split point: after On the board. Session B is worksheet and share.

On the board
Leave “Spinning Earth makes day and night” on screen for the main block. Match talk prompts to live button labels on the unit page.
seegongsik.com/au/y6/earth-and-space/AC9S6U02

Watch for

Make it easier, make it bigger

Answers and look-fors

Lesson 1 · Worksheet

Spinning Earth makes day and night

NameClassDate

Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.

1. Draw or write one example from the board.
2. What is the main idea in your words?
3. Make a second example of your own.
I know I am right because
I can teach this idea to a partner:Yes     No
Lesson 1 · Exit tickets (cut out)

Exit tickets

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.

Lesson 2 · Teacher planLesson 2 of 10

Earth travels around the sun

Children explore “Earth travels around the sun” with talk, the board picture, and a short paper task. About 60 minutes, or two 30-minute sessions.

We are learning to

Success criteria

You need

Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)

10 minHook
Quick oral examples linked to the unit story.

Ask: What do you already know that might help today?

15 minOn the board
Open “Earth travels around the sun”. Step the controls while children predict.

Ask: What changed? What stayed the same?

20 minWorksheet
Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below.
15 minShare and exit
Two children share. Class finishes the exit sentence.

Ask: In one sentence, what was today’s idea?

Split point: after On the board. Session B is worksheet and share.

On the board
Leave “Earth travels around the sun” on screen for the main block. Match talk prompts to live button labels on the unit page.
seegongsik.com/au/y6/earth-and-space/AC9S6U02

Watch for

Make it easier, make it bigger

Answers and look-fors

Lesson 2 · Worksheet

Earth travels around the sun

NameClassDate

Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.

1. Draw or write one example from the board.
2. What is the main idea in your words?
3. Make a second example of your own.
I know I am right because
I can teach this idea to a partner:Yes     No
Lesson 2 · Exit tickets (cut out)

Exit tickets

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.

Lesson 3 · Teacher planLesson 3 of 10

A tilted axis changes the day length

Children explore “A tilted axis changes the day length” with talk, the board picture, and a short paper task. About 60 minutes, or two 30-minute sessions.

We are learning to

Success criteria

You need

Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)

10 minHook
Quick oral examples linked to the unit story.

Ask: What do you already know that might help today?

15 minOn the board
Open “A tilted axis changes the day length”. Step the controls while children predict.

Ask: What changed? What stayed the same?

20 minWorksheet
Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below.
15 minShare and exit
Two children share. Class finishes the exit sentence.

Ask: In one sentence, what was today’s idea?

Split point: after On the board. Session B is worksheet and share.

On the board
Leave “A tilted axis changes the day length” on screen for the main block. Match talk prompts to live button labels on the unit page.
seegongsik.com/au/y6/earth-and-space/AC9S6U02

Watch for

Make it easier, make it bigger

Answers and look-fors

Lesson 3 · Worksheet

A tilted axis changes the day length

NameClassDate

Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.

1. Draw or write one example from the board.
2. What is the main idea in your words?
3. Make a second example of your own.
I know I am right because
I can teach this idea to a partner:Yes     No
Lesson 3 · Exit tickets (cut out)

Exit tickets

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.

Lesson 4 · Teacher planLesson 4 of 10

The planets all circle the sun

Children explore “The planets all circle the sun” with talk, the board picture, and a short paper task. About 60 minutes, or two 30-minute sessions.

We are learning to

Success criteria

You need

Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)

10 minHook
Quick oral examples linked to the unit story.

Ask: What do you already know that might help today?

15 minOn the board
Open “The planets all circle the sun”. Step the controls while children predict.

Ask: What changed? What stayed the same?

20 minWorksheet
Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below.
15 minShare and exit
Two children share. Class finishes the exit sentence.

Ask: In one sentence, what was today’s idea?

Split point: after On the board. Session B is worksheet and share.

On the board
Leave “The planets all circle the sun” on screen for the main block. Match talk prompts to live button labels on the unit page.
seegongsik.com/au/y6/earth-and-space/AC9S6U02

Watch for

Make it easier, make it bigger

Answers and look-fors

Lesson 4 · Worksheet

The planets all circle the sun

NameClassDate

Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.

1. Draw or write one example from the board.
2. What is the main idea in your words?
3. Make a second example of your own.
I know I am right because
I can teach this idea to a partner:Yes     No
Lesson 4 · Exit tickets (cut out)

Exit tickets

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.

Lesson 5 · Teacher planLesson 5 of 10

Why summer days are longer than winter days

Children explore “Why summer days are longer than winter days” with talk, the board picture, and a short paper task. About 60 minutes, or two 30-minute sessions.

We are learning to

Success criteria

You need

Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)

10 minHook
Quick oral examples linked to the unit story.

Ask: What do you already know that might help today?

15 minOn the board
Open “Why summer days are longer than winter days”. Step the controls while children predict.

Ask: What changed? What stayed the same?

20 minWorksheet
Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below.
15 minShare and exit
Two children share. Class finishes the exit sentence.

Ask: In one sentence, what was today’s idea?

Split point: after On the board. Session B is worksheet and share.

On the board
Leave “Why summer days are longer than winter days” on screen for the main block. Match talk prompts to live button labels on the unit page.
seegongsik.com/au/y6/earth-and-space/AC9S6U02

Watch for

Make it easier, make it bigger

Answers and look-fors

Lesson 5 · Worksheet

Why summer days are longer than winter days

NameClassDate

Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.

1. Draw or write one example from the board.
2. What is the main idea in your words?
3. Make a second example of your own.
I know I am right because
I can teach this idea to a partner:Yes     No
Lesson 5 · Exit tickets (cut out)

Exit tickets

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.

Lesson 6 · Teacher planLesson 6 of 10

Deeper look: Spinning Earth makes day and night

Children explore “Deeper look: Spinning Earth makes day and night” with talk, the board picture, and a short paper task. About 60 minutes, or two 30-minute sessions.

We are learning to

Success criteria

You need

Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)

10 minHook
Quick oral examples linked to the unit story.

Ask: What do you already know that might help today?

15 minOn the board
Open “Deeper look: Spinning Earth makes day and night”. Step the controls while children predict.

Ask: What changed? What stayed the same?

20 minWorksheet
Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below.
15 minShare and exit
Two children share. Class finishes the exit sentence.

Ask: In one sentence, what was today’s idea?

Split point: after On the board. Session B is worksheet and share.

On the board
Leave “Deeper look: Spinning Earth makes day and night” on screen for the main block. Match talk prompts to live button labels on the unit page.
seegongsik.com/au/y6/earth-and-space/AC9S6U02

Watch for

Make it easier, make it bigger

Answers and look-fors

Lesson 6 · Worksheet

Deeper look: Spinning Earth makes day and night

NameClassDate

Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.

1. Draw or write one example from the board.
2. What is the main idea in your words?
3. Make a second example of your own.
I know I am right because
I can teach this idea to a partner:Yes     No
Lesson 6 · Exit tickets (cut out)

Exit tickets

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.

Lesson 7 · Teacher planLesson 7 of 10

Deeper look: Earth travels around the sun

Children explore “Deeper look: Earth travels around the sun” with talk, the board picture, and a short paper task. About 60 minutes, or two 30-minute sessions.

We are learning to

Success criteria

You need

Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)

10 minHook
Quick oral examples linked to the unit story.

Ask: What do you already know that might help today?

15 minOn the board
Open “Deeper look: Earth travels around the sun”. Step the controls while children predict.

Ask: What changed? What stayed the same?

20 minWorksheet
Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below.
15 minShare and exit
Two children share. Class finishes the exit sentence.

Ask: In one sentence, what was today’s idea?

Split point: after On the board. Session B is worksheet and share.

On the board
Leave “Deeper look: Earth travels around the sun” on screen for the main block. Match talk prompts to live button labels on the unit page.
seegongsik.com/au/y6/earth-and-space/AC9S6U02

Watch for

Make it easier, make it bigger

Answers and look-fors

Lesson 7 · Worksheet

Deeper look: Earth travels around the sun

NameClassDate

Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.

1. Draw or write one example from the board.
2. What is the main idea in your words?
3. Make a second example of your own.
I know I am right because
I can teach this idea to a partner:Yes     No
Lesson 7 · Exit tickets (cut out)

Exit tickets

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.

Lesson 8 · Teacher planLesson 8 of 10

Deeper look: A tilted axis changes the day length

Children explore “Deeper look: A tilted axis changes the day length” with talk, the board picture, and a short paper task. About 60 minutes, or two 30-minute sessions.

We are learning to

Success criteria

You need

Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)

10 minHook
Quick oral examples linked to the unit story.

Ask: What do you already know that might help today?

15 minOn the board
Open “Deeper look: A tilted axis changes the day length”. Step the controls while children predict.

Ask: What changed? What stayed the same?

20 minWorksheet
Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below.
15 minShare and exit
Two children share. Class finishes the exit sentence.

Ask: In one sentence, what was today’s idea?

Split point: after On the board. Session B is worksheet and share.

On the board
Leave “Deeper look: A tilted axis changes the day length” on screen for the main block. Match talk prompts to live button labels on the unit page.
seegongsik.com/au/y6/earth-and-space/AC9S6U02

Watch for

Make it easier, make it bigger

Answers and look-fors

Lesson 8 · Worksheet

Deeper look: A tilted axis changes the day length

NameClassDate

Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.

1. Draw or write one example from the board.
2. What is the main idea in your words?
3. Make a second example of your own.
I know I am right because
I can teach this idea to a partner:Yes     No
Lesson 8 · Exit tickets (cut out)

Exit tickets

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.

Lesson 9 · Teacher planLesson 9 of 10

Deeper look: The planets all circle the sun

Children explore “Deeper look: The planets all circle the sun” with talk, the board picture, and a short paper task. About 60 minutes, or two 30-minute sessions.

We are learning to

Success criteria

You need

Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)

10 minHook
Quick oral examples linked to the unit story.

Ask: What do you already know that might help today?

15 minOn the board
Open “Deeper look: The planets all circle the sun”. Step the controls while children predict.

Ask: What changed? What stayed the same?

20 minWorksheet
Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below.
15 minShare and exit
Two children share. Class finishes the exit sentence.

Ask: In one sentence, what was today’s idea?

Split point: after On the board. Session B is worksheet and share.

On the board
Leave “Deeper look: The planets all circle the sun” on screen for the main block. Match talk prompts to live button labels on the unit page.
seegongsik.com/au/y6/earth-and-space/AC9S6U02

Watch for

Make it easier, make it bigger

Answers and look-fors

Lesson 9 · Worksheet

Deeper look: The planets all circle the sun

NameClassDate

Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.

1. Draw or write one example from the board.
2. What is the main idea in your words?
3. Make a second example of your own.
I know I am right because
I can teach this idea to a partner:Yes     No
Lesson 9 · Exit tickets (cut out)

Exit tickets

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.

Lesson 10 · Teacher planLesson 10 of 10

Show what we know

Children explore “Show what we know” with talk, the board picture, and a short paper task. About 60 minutes, or two 30-minute sessions.

We are learning to

Success criteria

You need

Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)

10 minHook
Quick oral examples linked to the unit story.

Ask: What do you already know that might help today?

15 minOn the board
Open “Show what we know”. Step the controls while children predict.

Ask: What changed? What stayed the same?

20 minWorksheet
Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below.
15 minShare and exit
Two children share. Class finishes the exit sentence.

Ask: In one sentence, what was today’s idea?

Split point: after On the board. Session B is worksheet and share.

On the board
Leave “Show what we know” on screen for the main block. Match talk prompts to live button labels on the unit page.
seegongsik.com/au/y6/earth-and-space/AC9S6U02

Watch for

Make it easier, make it bigger

Answers and look-fors

Lesson 10 · Worksheet

Show what we know

NameClassDate

Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.

1. Draw or write one example from the board.
2. What is the main idea in your words?
3. Make a second example of your own.
I know I am right because
I can teach this idea to a partner:Yes     No
Lesson 10 · Exit tickets (cut out)

Exit tickets

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.