Thursday- Second & Third

Today we began a unit on the solar system.  We are focusing our attention on the center of our solar system, the Sun, and how it relates to Earth.  We had a great discussion and demonstration from some kiddos on the Sun's and Earth's position and how the Sun APPEARS to move.

We learned that a COMPASS can help us describe the position of the Sun in the sky and that the Sun rises in the east and sets in the west.  We looked at a compass to help us identify the 4 CARDINAL DIRECTIONS. We practiced a chant and hand motions to help us remember the new terms we learned today.

 "A compass is tool that tells us the 4 cardinal directions.  The 4 cardinal directions are north, east, south, and west."

Finally, we made our very own compass and took it outside to test it.  To make it work, place it in direct sunlight with the pin sticking up vertically.  Turn the paper circle until the shadow of the pin falls on the correct time.  We went out at 10:00 am so we made the shadow point to 10:00. North will be halfway between the shadow and the number 12 on your paper clock. The compass is most accurate March 21 and September 23. On these dates, the shadow of the pin approaches due North as noon nears.

For further study and exploration, look up a video on how to use a watch to find the cardinal directions. It is a similar but slightly different method (helping you identify the southern direction) and easy to do.