Year 5 Science: The Earth and Space

On a dewy, sunny October morning, Year 5 began their scientific investigation into how the rotation of the Earth on its axis affects the sunlight it receives throughout a day. The experiment was set up bright and early. A cone and meter rule were place in the middle of the field. The shadow created by these was measured at intervals throughout the day and the position of the sun was noted.

As the sun rose from behind the trees on Plumpton Avenue, Year 5 teachers took the first reading at 7.30 am and discovered that the shadow measured over 11 meters in length.

At 9.15 am, the children took their first reading and noted how the sun had already moved in the sky. The experiment helped our super scientists understand that although the sun appeared to move in the sky, it was actually the Earth rotating towards the sun that created this effect. It also helped illustrate that the position of the sun in relation to the Earth has an effect on the length of shadows and also why we have a night and day.