CLOZE ing
in
on
Science!
5.8C: Earth’s Rotation
Earth and Space
Name: ______________________________ Date: ____________________________
Key Concept 1: The day and night cycle occurs every 24 hours
due to the rotation of Earth.
Passage
We have experienced day and night many times. Earth spins, or
________________ , one complete turn on its _______________ every
______________ hours. During the day time, the _______________
shines on the side of Earth that is _________________ the Sun. The side
of Earth facing away from the Sun is in _________________ , and
experiences ________________.
Word Bank
24 nigh(me
Sun rotates axis
darkness/shadow
facing
Illustration
© 2011 Rice University – All Rights Reserved
CLOZE ing
in
on
Science!
5.8C: Earth’s Rotation
Earth and Space
Key Concept 2: We can demonstrate that the rotation of Earth
causes the day/night cycle.
Passage
When we shine a light on the __________________ of Earth, it only
illuminates __________________ of the sphere at a time, indicating
where it is __________________ time. The other side of the sphere is in
shadow, representing where it is ________________. Spinning the rod
shows how all locations on Earth get their turn on ___________________
sides.
Word Bank
day half night
sunlit/light
surface Illustration
© 2011 Rice University – All Rights Reserved
CLOZE ing
in
on
Science!
5.8C: Earth’s Rotation
Earth and Space
Key Concept 3: The Sun appears to move across the sky each
day due to the rotation of Earth.
Passage
You’ve probably noticed that the Sun moves across the sky each and
every day. As Earth rotates, the position and angle from which we on
Earth can see the Sun _______________. Sometimes it seems to be high
overhead, such as at _______________. Other times, it seems low in the
sky, off to the side, such as in the morning when the Sun _____________.
Word Bank
noon
changes rises
Illustration
© 2011 Rice University – All Rights Reserved
CLOZE ing
in
on
Science!
5.8C: Earth’s Rotation
Earth and Space
Answer Key
We have experienced day and night many times. Earth spins, or rotates ,
one complete turn on its axis every 24 hours. During the day time, the
Sun shines on the side of Earth that is facing the Sun. The side of Earth
facing away from the Sun is in darkness/shadow , and experiences
nighttime.
When we shine a light on the surface of Earth, it only illuminates half of the
sphere at a time, indicating where it is day time. The other side of the sphere
is in shadow, representing where it is night. Spinning the rod shows how all
locations on Earth get their turn on sunlit/light sides.
You’ve probably noticed that the Sun moves across the sky each and every day. As
Earth rotates, the position and angle from which we on Earth can see the Sun
changes. Sometimes it seems to be high overhead, such as at noon. Other times, it
seems low in the sky, off to the side, such as in the morning when the Sun rises.
© 2011 Rice University – All Rights Reserved