This activity uses role-playing to demonstrate the connection of the planets to the sun, a very abstract concept for primary age children. Students will make models to represent the planets in comparative size, use their models to demonstrate revolution and rotation of the planets around the sun, and learn the definitions of the terms "revolution", "rotation", and "orbit". Full description.

SimSolar is a solar system simulator for classroom or personal use. The positions of the sun, moon and planets are displayed for any date selected. Tilt and rotate the entire system to view from any vantage point. Set the system in motion and watch the planets move around their orbits. Search for planetary alignments or see the phase of the moon for any selected date. SimSolar can display the sun, ... Full description.

This movie shows Venus and Earth as they rotate. The images are superimposed on each other so that differences in rotation speed and tilt of axes can be seen. Links to documents describing the physical properties and characteristics of the two planets are provided. Full description.

This resource focuses on NASA's interplanetary exploration and discovery missions. The site features links to topics that include news, the planets, missions (current and past), science and technology, a multimedia gallery of images and animations, NASA employees, a kids' section, and education and history sections. Full description.

In this lesson, students use observations, activities, and videos to learn basic facts about the Sun. They will understand that the Sun appears to move in predictable daily patterns, that it is a star and its radiation lights and heats Earth, that night and day are a result of Earth's rotation, and recognize that all planets in our solar system orbit the Sun. They will also test ways to use solar ... Full description.

This Classroom Connectors lesson plan explains the Earth's rotation on its axis, that it takes 24 hours for this to happen, and the fact that when one side of the Earth has day the other side experiences night. The site provides goals, objectives, an outline, time needed, materials, activities, and closure ideas for the lesson. The Classroom Connectors address content with an activity approach while ... Full description.

This resource is a multimedia educational CD on the Sun and its effects on Earth, with a collection of presentations and educational resources. It includes teachers guides, image sets, an interactive poster, FAQs, and a glossary. Full description.

This animation showing Neptune as it rotates was imaged by the spacecraft Voyager. A link is provided to a written document that describes the physical characteristics and appearance of the planet. Full description.

Night and day are determined by the Sun's presence or absence in the sky. As Earth rotates, the portion of the planet that is illuminated by the Sun experiences day while the portion that faces away from the Sun experiences night. As observed from most locations on Earth, the Sun appears to rise in the east and set in the west every day. This video segment features time-lapse photography of a sunrise ... Full description.

The Kids Science News Network (KSNN) is one of five programs offered by the NASA Center for Distance Learning. It uses animated characters (for grades K-2) and web and video technology (for grades 3-5) to help children understand the everyday phenomena of our world. This animated video illustrates how the Earth's rotation effects our experience of night and day. Full description.