THE EARTH’S MOVEMENT

Back to: Basic Science Primary 6

WELCOME TO CLASS

 

ROTATION OF THE EARTH

The Earth rotates on its axis called the Earth axis or rotational axis. The sun appears to rise in the east, and sets in the west. During the night, it seems to continue its journey returning to its starting point after 24 hours.

NOTE: It takes the Earth 24 hours to make a complete rotation on its axis.

If the Earth did not rotate, one part of it would be in perpetual darkness and the other part would be in perpetual light. But since it rotates, night succeeds day. This means that the rotation of the Earth causes night and day.

A complete rotation constitutes one day.

NOTE: The rotation of the Earth can be demonstrated with the model globe of the Earth.

 

REVOLUTION OF THE EARTH

The Earth does not only rotate on its axis, but also revolves round the sun in an almost circular path or orbit. It takes a year or 365 days for a complete revolution of the Earth. The revolution of the Earth round the sun is from east to west. The moon also revolves around the Earth, and it takes the moon 29½ days for it to revolve around the Earth.

NOTE: The word month is derived from the Moon’s 29½ day period.

 

ECLIPSE OF THE SUN

An eclipse of the sun happens when the moon’s shadow falls on Earth. This happens when moon moves between the Earth and the sun.

NOTE: Eclipse of the sun is also known as solar eclipse.

 

ECLIPSE OF THE MOON

At times the Earth is between the sun and the moon, if the sun, Earth and moon are in a straight line. Earth blocks some of the sun’s light from falling on the moon. The moon gets dark for a time. This is called an eclipse of the moon. It happens when Earth’s shadow falls on the moon.

NOTE: The eclipse of the moon is also called lunar eclipse.

 

GENERAL EVALUATION

1. Illustrate the eclipse of the sun and moon.
2. Explain the seasons of the year

 

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

1. Earth rotation and revolution
2. Describe why the earth has night and day.
3. Explain why there are seasons.
4. What is:
5. partial eclipse?
6. total eclipse?

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