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.
Start here: five minutes to Monday
- Skim the term at a glance on the next page.
- Print the lesson you need (plan, worksheet, cards).
- Gather everyday items under You need on the plan.
- Open the free interactive unit on your board.
- 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.
The term at a glance
One lesson a week for a term. Run in order where you can.
| # | Lesson | Children learn and do | On screen |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spinning Earth makes day and night | Explore the idea with talk, board and hands-on work | Spinning Earth makes day and night |
| 2 | Earth travels around the sun | Explore the idea with talk, board and hands-on work | Earth travels around the sun |
| 3 | A tilted axis changes the day length | Explore the idea with talk, board and hands-on work | A tilted axis changes the day length |
| 4 | The planets all circle the sun | Explore the idea with talk, board and hands-on work | The planets all circle the sun |
| 5 | Why summer days are longer than winter days | Explore the idea with talk, board and hands-on work | Why summer days are longer than winter days |
| 6 | Deeper look: Spinning Earth makes day and night | Explore the idea with talk, board and hands-on work | Spinning Earth makes day and night |
| 7 | Deeper look: Earth travels around the sun | Explore the idea with talk, board and hands-on work | Earth travels around the sun |
| 8 | Deeper look: A tilted axis changes the day length | Explore the idea with talk, board and hands-on work | A tilted axis changes the day length |
| 9 | Deeper look: The planets all circle the sun | Explore the idea with talk, board and hands-on work | The planets all circle the sun |
| 10 | Show what we know | Explore the idea with talk, board and hands-on work | Earth, Sun and the Day-Night Cycle |
Curriculum links (Australian Curriculum V9)
The term teaches AC9S6U02. Lessons also work these Inquiry and Human Endeavour descriptors:
Assessment
- Every plan ends with answers and look-fors.
- The assessment kit near the front has a rubric and class checklist.
- Lesson 10 is the summative check and model task.
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.
| Lesson | You need |
|---|---|
| 1 | everyday classroom items named on the Day 1 plan; interactive unit open |
| 2 | everyday classroom items named on the Day 2 plan; interactive unit open |
| 3 | everyday classroom items named on the Day 3 plan; interactive unit open |
| 4 | everyday classroom items named on the Day 4 plan; interactive unit open |
| 5 | everyday classroom items named on the Day 5 plan; interactive unit open |
| 6 | everyday classroom items named on the Day 6 plan; interactive unit open |
| 7 | everyday classroom items named on the Day 7 plan; interactive unit open |
| 8 | everyday classroom items named on the Day 8 plan; interactive unit open |
| 9 | everyday classroom items named on the Day 9 plan; interactive unit open |
| 10 | everyday classroom items named on the Day 10 plan; interactive unit open |
Safety in one look
- No open flames, hotplates or boiling water for children.
- Adult pours warm water when a plan needs heat.
- Wipe spills; keep floors clear.
- Food allergy checks before any tasting stations.
Assessment without extra work
Lesson plans carry look-fors. Lesson 10 is summative. Use this sheet for ongoing notes.
The three levels
| Idea | Working towards | At standard | Beyond |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big idea | names an example with help | explains the unit idea in Year 4 words | applies the idea to a new example |
| Evidence | guess only | links a claim to something observed or measured | compares two pieces of evidence |
| Science words | everyday words only | uses unit words correctly | explains a word to a partner |
| Inquiry habit | follows steps with support | plans or records with the scaffolds | improves a plan after a first try |
Class observation checklist
| Name | Idea | Evidence | Words |
|---|---|---|---|
A tick a lesson is plenty.
Word wall cards
Cut out and build the wall as words arrive across the term.
notice with our senses
write or draw what we found
a good guess with a reason
change one thing, keep the rest the same
what we measured or saw
something that happens again
a feature we can observe
a push or a pull
what something is made of
where a living thing lives
a pattern that goes round again
say what the evidence shows
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
- Talk about a pattern you both notice outdoors or in the kitchen.
- Ask for one science word from the week and use it in a sentence.
- Draw a simple diagram of something they investigated.
Warm regards,
The Year 6 team
seegongsik.com/au/y6/earth-and-space/AC9S6U02/pack
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
- explain the idea behind spinning earth makes day and night in Year 6 words,
- use the board picture to check our thinking,
- record an example with evidence.
Success criteria
- I can show one clear example of today’s idea.
- I can say the idea in a short science sentence.
You need
- interactive unit open on “Spinning Earth makes day and night” when available,
- worksheet (next sheet), one per child,
- optional cut-out cards or exit tickets (third sheet).
Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)
| 10 min | Hook Quick oral examples linked to the unit story. Ask: “What do you already know that might help today?” |
| 15 min | On the board Open “Spinning Earth makes day and night”. Step the controls while children predict. Ask: “What changed? What stayed the same?” |
| 20 min | Worksheet Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below. |
| 15 min | Share 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.
Watch for
- Skipping the board and only copying answers -- bring them back to the picture.
- Correct answer with no explanation -- ask how do you know?
Make it easier, make it bigger
- Easier: complete the first two worksheet items together.
- Bigger: invent one new example for a partner to solve.
Answers and look-fors
- Meeting the idea sounds like a clear sentence about spinning earth makes day and night.
- Drawings or numbers match the board story.
Spinning Earth makes day and night
Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.
Exit tickets
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.
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
- explain the idea behind earth travels around the sun in Year 6 words,
- use the board picture to check our thinking,
- record an example with evidence.
Success criteria
- I can show one clear example of today’s idea.
- I can say the idea in a short science sentence.
You need
- interactive unit open on “Earth travels around the sun” when available,
- worksheet (next sheet), one per child,
- optional cut-out cards or exit tickets (third sheet).
Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)
| 10 min | Hook Quick oral examples linked to the unit story. Ask: “What do you already know that might help today?” |
| 15 min | On the board Open “Earth travels around the sun”. Step the controls while children predict. Ask: “What changed? What stayed the same?” |
| 20 min | Worksheet Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below. |
| 15 min | Share 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.
Watch for
- Skipping the board and only copying answers -- bring them back to the picture.
- Correct answer with no explanation -- ask how do you know?
Make it easier, make it bigger
- Easier: complete the first two worksheet items together.
- Bigger: invent one new example for a partner to solve.
Answers and look-fors
- Meeting the idea sounds like a clear sentence about earth travels around the sun.
- Drawings or numbers match the board story.
Earth travels around the sun
Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.
Exit tickets
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.
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
- explain the idea behind a tilted axis changes the day length in Year 6 words,
- use the board picture to check our thinking,
- record an example with evidence.
Success criteria
- I can show one clear example of today’s idea.
- I can say the idea in a short science sentence.
You need
- interactive unit open on “A tilted axis changes the day length” when available,
- worksheet (next sheet), one per child,
- optional cut-out cards or exit tickets (third sheet).
Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)
| 10 min | Hook Quick oral examples linked to the unit story. Ask: “What do you already know that might help today?” |
| 15 min | On the board Open “A tilted axis changes the day length”. Step the controls while children predict. Ask: “What changed? What stayed the same?” |
| 20 min | Worksheet Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below. |
| 15 min | Share 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.
Watch for
- Skipping the board and only copying answers -- bring them back to the picture.
- Correct answer with no explanation -- ask how do you know?
Make it easier, make it bigger
- Easier: complete the first two worksheet items together.
- Bigger: invent one new example for a partner to solve.
Answers and look-fors
- Meeting the idea sounds like a clear sentence about a tilted axis changes the day length.
- Drawings or numbers match the board story.
A tilted axis changes the day length
Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.
Exit tickets
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.
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
- explain the idea behind the planets all circle the sun in Year 6 words,
- use the board picture to check our thinking,
- record an example with evidence.
Success criteria
- I can show one clear example of today’s idea.
- I can say the idea in a short science sentence.
You need
- interactive unit open on “The planets all circle the sun” when available,
- worksheet (next sheet), one per child,
- optional cut-out cards or exit tickets (third sheet).
Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)
| 10 min | Hook Quick oral examples linked to the unit story. Ask: “What do you already know that might help today?” |
| 15 min | On the board Open “The planets all circle the sun”. Step the controls while children predict. Ask: “What changed? What stayed the same?” |
| 20 min | Worksheet Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below. |
| 15 min | Share 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.
Watch for
- Skipping the board and only copying answers -- bring them back to the picture.
- Correct answer with no explanation -- ask how do you know?
Make it easier, make it bigger
- Easier: complete the first two worksheet items together.
- Bigger: invent one new example for a partner to solve.
Answers and look-fors
- Meeting the idea sounds like a clear sentence about the planets all circle the sun.
- Drawings or numbers match the board story.
The planets all circle the sun
Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.
Exit tickets
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.
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
- explain the idea behind why summer days are longer than winter days in Year 6 words,
- use the board picture to check our thinking,
- record an example with evidence.
Success criteria
- I can show one clear example of today’s idea.
- I can say the idea in a short science sentence.
You need
- interactive unit open on “Why summer days are longer than winter days” when available,
- worksheet (next sheet), one per child,
- optional cut-out cards or exit tickets (third sheet).
Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)
| 10 min | Hook Quick oral examples linked to the unit story. Ask: “What do you already know that might help today?” |
| 15 min | On 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 min | Worksheet Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below. |
| 15 min | Share 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.
Watch for
- Skipping the board and only copying answers -- bring them back to the picture.
- Correct answer with no explanation -- ask how do you know?
Make it easier, make it bigger
- Easier: complete the first two worksheet items together.
- Bigger: invent one new example for a partner to solve.
Answers and look-fors
- Meeting the idea sounds like a clear sentence about why summer days are longer than winter days.
- Drawings or numbers match the board story.
Why summer days are longer than winter days
Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.
Exit tickets
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.
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
- explain the idea behind spinning Earth makes day and night in Year 6 words,
- use the board picture to check our thinking,
- record an example with evidence.
Success criteria
- I can show one clear example of today’s idea.
- I can say the idea in a short science sentence.
You need
- interactive unit open on “Deeper look: Spinning Earth makes day and night” when available,
- worksheet (next sheet), one per child,
- optional cut-out cards or exit tickets (third sheet).
Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)
| 10 min | Hook Quick oral examples linked to the unit story. Ask: “What do you already know that might help today?” |
| 15 min | On 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 min | Worksheet Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below. |
| 15 min | Share 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.
Watch for
- Skipping the board and only copying answers -- bring them back to the picture.
- Correct answer with no explanation -- ask how do you know?
Make it easier, make it bigger
- Easier: complete the first two worksheet items together.
- Bigger: invent one new example for a partner to solve.
Answers and look-fors
- Meeting the idea sounds like a clear sentence about spinning Earth makes day and night.
- Drawings or numbers match the board story.
Deeper look: Spinning Earth makes day and night
Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.
Exit tickets
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.
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
- explain the idea behind earth travels around the sun in Year 6 words,
- use the board picture to check our thinking,
- record an example with evidence.
Success criteria
- I can show one clear example of today’s idea.
- I can say the idea in a short science sentence.
You need
- interactive unit open on “Deeper look: Earth travels around the sun” when available,
- worksheet (next sheet), one per child,
- optional cut-out cards or exit tickets (third sheet).
Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)
| 10 min | Hook Quick oral examples linked to the unit story. Ask: “What do you already know that might help today?” |
| 15 min | On the board Open “Deeper look: Earth travels around the sun”. Step the controls while children predict. Ask: “What changed? What stayed the same?” |
| 20 min | Worksheet Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below. |
| 15 min | Share 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.
Watch for
- Skipping the board and only copying answers -- bring them back to the picture.
- Correct answer with no explanation -- ask how do you know?
Make it easier, make it bigger
- Easier: complete the first two worksheet items together.
- Bigger: invent one new example for a partner to solve.
Answers and look-fors
- Meeting the idea sounds like a clear sentence about earth travels around the sun.
- Drawings or numbers match the board story.
Deeper look: Earth travels around the sun
Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.
Exit tickets
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.
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
- explain the idea behind a tilted axis changes the day length in Year 6 words,
- use the board picture to check our thinking,
- record an example with evidence.
Success criteria
- I can show one clear example of today’s idea.
- I can say the idea in a short science sentence.
You need
- interactive unit open on “Deeper look: A tilted axis changes the day length” when available,
- worksheet (next sheet), one per child,
- optional cut-out cards or exit tickets (third sheet).
Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)
| 10 min | Hook Quick oral examples linked to the unit story. Ask: “What do you already know that might help today?” |
| 15 min | On 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 min | Worksheet Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below. |
| 15 min | Share 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.
Watch for
- Skipping the board and only copying answers -- bring them back to the picture.
- Correct answer with no explanation -- ask how do you know?
Make it easier, make it bigger
- Easier: complete the first two worksheet items together.
- Bigger: invent one new example for a partner to solve.
Answers and look-fors
- Meeting the idea sounds like a clear sentence about a tilted axis changes the day length.
- Drawings or numbers match the board story.
Deeper look: A tilted axis changes the day length
Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.
Exit tickets
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.
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
- explain the idea behind the planets all circle the sun in Year 6 words,
- use the board picture to check our thinking,
- record an example with evidence.
Success criteria
- I can show one clear example of today’s idea.
- I can say the idea in a short science sentence.
You need
- interactive unit open on “Deeper look: The planets all circle the sun” when available,
- worksheet (next sheet), one per child,
- optional cut-out cards or exit tickets (third sheet).
Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)
| 10 min | Hook Quick oral examples linked to the unit story. Ask: “What do you already know that might help today?” |
| 15 min | On 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 min | Worksheet Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below. |
| 15 min | Share 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.
Watch for
- Skipping the board and only copying answers -- bring them back to the picture.
- Correct answer with no explanation -- ask how do you know?
Make it easier, make it bigger
- Easier: complete the first two worksheet items together.
- Bigger: invent one new example for a partner to solve.
Answers and look-fors
- Meeting the idea sounds like a clear sentence about the planets all circle the sun.
- Drawings or numbers match the board story.
Deeper look: The planets all circle the sun
Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.
Exit tickets
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.
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
- explain the idea behind show what we know in Year 6 words,
- use the board picture to check our thinking,
- record an example with evidence.
Success criteria
- I can show one clear example of today’s idea.
- I can say the idea in a short science sentence.
You need
- interactive unit open on “Show what we know” when available,
- worksheet (next sheet), one per child,
- optional cut-out cards or exit tickets (third sheet).
Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)
| 10 min | Hook Quick oral examples linked to the unit story. Ask: “What do you already know that might help today?” |
| 15 min | On the board Open “Show what we know”. Step the controls while children predict. Ask: “What changed? What stayed the same?” |
| 20 min | Worksheet Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below. |
| 15 min | Share 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.
Watch for
- Skipping the board and only copying answers -- bring them back to the picture.
- Correct answer with no explanation -- ask how do you know?
Make it easier, make it bigger
- Easier: complete the first two worksheet items together.
- Bigger: invent one new example for a partner to solve.
Answers and look-fors
- Meeting the idea sounds like a clear sentence about show what we know.
- Drawings or numbers match the board story.
Show what we know
Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.
Exit tickets
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.