In this lesson, the students will play a game demonstrating how sunrays, as well as the location of the Earth, affect the Earth's seasons. Some students will act as the Sun, while others will act as the Earth. Depending on where they are receiving the sun rays gives them clues as to what part of the Earth should have more sunlight and therefore be warmer. This phenomenon is often demonstrated in class with a globe and flashlight. This in-class demonstration can be very practical, mainly because the teacher accurately represents the tilt of the Earth or because the globe was made correctly. With this game, the student's movement around the Sun and where they receive sun rays makes this game more kinesthetic and possibly better understood by the younger students.

Materials: 

·      A large play area (a gym works best, but can be played outside)

·      Four soccer balls

·      Four tennis or dodgeballs

·      Four hula hoops (preferably with the colors blue, green, yellow, and red)

·      At least twelve rubber disc dots (if outside, have at least ten more)

o   This depends on how many students you have in your class. If you have twenty students, then 12 disc dots, four hula-hoops, and four sun players equal twenty. Depending on how many students you have in your class, you may need to add or subtract disc dots.

Minimum Number of Students Needed: This game can be played with only two players. However, an entire class will be more enjoyable.

Age: Lower Elementary