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Kinesthetic Astronomy: The Meaning of a Year
https://www.calacademy.org/educators/lesson-plans/kinesthetic-astronomy-the-meaning-of-a-year

California Academy of Sciences

In this interactive lesson, students will use kinesthetic techniques to model Earth's orbit around the Sun for a year. In this activity students will understand the astronomical meaning of an earth year, and learn the difference between a rotation and an orbit.

This learning activity takes one 45-60 minute class period. Prep time included.

Learn more about Teaching Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness»


Grade Level

Online Readiness

Topics

Climate Literacy

This Activity builds on the following concepts of Climate Literacy.

Click a topic below for supporting information, teaching ideas, and sample activities.

Notes From Our Reviewers The CLEAN collection is hand-picked and rigorously reviewed for scientific accuracy and classroom effectiveness. Read what our review team had to say about this resource below or learn more about how CLEAN reviews teaching materials
Teaching Tips | Science | Pedagogy | Technical Details

Teaching Tips

  • While this is a straightforward lesson, it will require careful classroom management. For larger classes, it may be helpful to use a gym or auditorium for this activity rather than the classroom.
  • It is recommended that teachers obtain a lamp to represent the Sun at the center of the circle and painter's tape (if you are taping the printout signs to chairs or walls).
  • The astrology part is interesting, but not necessary. It could be left out or a good extension activity. It could be a distraction for understanding the basic science in a first round of the activity.

About the Content

  • This lesson provides a simple and embodied activity that compares earth's orbit (year) to rotation (day).
  • The activity poses focused scientific questions to get students thinking about the sun and earth and how they interact.
  • Passed initial science review - expert science review pending.

About the Pedagogy

  • This is a simple and straightforward lesson to teach. The downloadable lesson plan contains information that will be helpful such as the orbit and rotation time for other planets.
  • There is a lesson plan and set up pdf included with the website description of a kinesthetic activity teaching the difference between rotation and orbit.
  • This activity engages students and will getting them moving around the classroom.

Technical Details/Ease of Use

  • This lesson is technically sound. Teachers will need to print and prepare materials, which will take some time.
Entered the Collection: September 2023 Last Reviewed: June 2023

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