Day Length - Lesson Plan

In this engaging lesson from the Primary Science Advisory Service, KS1 students will develop their scientific understanding by exploring the concept of day length and its variation with seasons and across different parts of the world. The lesson is aligned with the National Curriculum, focusing on the observation and description of weather patterns and seasonal changes, particularly how day length varies with the seasons and across hemispheres. Students will be encouraged to use key scientific skills such as observing over time, noticing patterns, comparative testing, and researching using secondary resources. They will build on their previous knowledge, such as recognising the colder and darker winters from the EYFS stage, and prepare for future learning about light, the Earth's movement, and the solar system in later years.

The lesson plan includes a variety of activities designed to correct common misconceptions about the Sun's movement and day length. Students will use oranges to model the Earth, marking the equator and poles to understand the planet's tilt and rotation. They will investigate how day length varies in different locations by researching and comparing daylight hours on specific dates, using learning pads for their findings. The lesson also incorporates practical experiments to demonstrate the warming effect of sunlight and how ancient civilisations measured time with hourglasses. Health and safety considerations are highlighted, especially when handling equipment like thermometers. Cross-curricular links are made with geography, maths, and design and technology, providing a comprehensive educational experience that encourages students to question, explore, and understand the world around them.