Grade 2 · Unit 6: The Earth and the Sun

Does the Sun move?

The Sun seems to travel across the sky – but does it?

Across the sky

In the morning the Sun is low in the east. This is sunrise. At midday it is high in the sky. In the evening it is low in the west. This is sunset.

At sunset the sky often turns orange and red.

It only seems to move

The Sun does not really travel round us. The Earth spins, so the Sun seems to move across the sky.

The Sun is very far away – about 150 million kilometres!

Like a moving train

Look out of a moving train. The trees seem to rush past – but you are the one moving! It is the same with the Sun.

In the same way, the Sun seems to move because the Earth carries us round.

Never look at the Sun

The Sun is very bright. Looking at it can damage your eyes for ever. Never look straight at the Sun, even with sunglasses.

Even with special glasses, children should only look at the Sun with an adult.

What I learnt

• I know that the Sun seems to move across the sky.
• I know that the Sun rises in the east and sets in the west.
• I know never to look at the Sun.