3.2 Sunrise and sunset

Natural sciences

Grade 4

Planet earth and the universe

Module 39

Sunrise and sunset

Activity:

Investigating the times of sunrise and sunset

[lo 1.2]

The large yellow ball

The sun is actually a very big star that looks like a ball of fire in the middle of the universe. It provides the light and warmth that all living things need for growth. The energy that is released within the sun causes the sun to shine. Sunspots on the surface of the sun are seen frequently.

Hold a group discussion about the following:

• Where does the sun rise in the morning?
• Where does the sun set in the evening?
• Where do you think the sun goes at night?

Keep a record of the sunrise and sunset times for a period of two weeks. What have you discovered?

Assessment

LEARNING OUTCOME 1: SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATIONSThe learner will be able to act confidently on curiosity about natural phenomena, and to investigate relationships and solve problems in scientific, technological and environmental contexts.

Assessment Standard

We know this when the learner

1.2 leads investigations and collects data.

Memorandum

Mr Brain Cell:

• Asks: Man, how hot is it on the sun? Answer :
• 6 000°C (60 x the temperature of boiling water)

Have a group discussion on the following questions:

• From which direction does the sun rise in the morning? From the east
• In which direction does the sun set in the evening? In the west
• Where, do you think, does the sun go at night? It goes nowhere; the earth revolves around its own axis; the sun is now shining on a different part of the world.

TIME OF SUNRISE AND SUNSET

• Keep record of the sunrise and sunset for two weeks, by having someone bring the newspaper to school every day, so learners can look at the weather forecast. They have to tabulate the sunrise and sunset. They normally get very excited to see how the times change from day to day!