Sun and Moon

Sun and Moon for Class 2 Science

Sun and Moon are two important celestial bodies that we see in the sky. They play an essential role in maintaining a life-supporting atmosphere on Earth.
Both these celestial bodies are different from each other. The Sun is a star, whereas the Moon is the Earth’s natural satellite.
The following concept will introduce the learners to Sun and Moon and will explain their importance and noticeable features.

After reading the concept, students will be able to:

• State the importance of Sun.
• Explain how seasons change on Earth.
• Describe how a shadow is formed.
• Identify and differentiate Moon Phases.
• Mention the reason behind the occurrence of Day and Night.

Each concept is explained to class 2 students using descriptions, illustrations, and concept maps. After you go through a concept, assess your learning by solving the two printable worksheets given at the end of the page.
Download the worksheets and check your answers with the worksheet solutions for the concept Sun and Moon provided in PDF format.

• Both the Sun and the Moon are celestial bodies. We see the Sun during the day and the Moon at night.
• The Sun is a star which is why it emits light, but the Moon is the satellite of the Earth.
• The Moon travels around the Earth. It shines brightly in the night sky by reflecting the light from the Sun.

The Sun and the Solar System:

Solar System Planets:

The Sun:

• The Sun gives us heat and light.
• All living beings on Earth would not survive without sunlight.
• The Earth revolves around the Sun, rotating on its axis.

Importance of Sun:

Shadow:

• Shadows are formed throughout the day. An opaque object can produce a shadow in the presence of sunlight.
• When an object blocks the sunlight, a dark area is formed, which is called a shadow.

• The length of a shadow depends on the distance between the object and the Sun. Shadow formed is bigger when the distance is more.
• During morning and evening, the Sun remains on the horizon. The distance between the objects and the Sun is more; hence larger shadows are produced.
• In the afternoon, the Sun remains overhead, decreasing the distance between the Sun and the objects, making smaller shadows.

Moon:

Moon Phases:

• The Moon continuously changes its shape with time.
• Phases of the Moon occur because of the change in positions of the Moon and the Earth with respect to the Sun.
• The parts of the Moon that receive sunlight are visible to us.
• We usually see four phases of the Moon and they are—full Moon, new Moon, crescent Moon, and quarter Moon.

Importance of the Moon:

• The Moon is a source of light in the night sky.
• The Moon causes high and low tides on Earth.

New Words:

 

Did You Know?

• The Sun is entirely made up of two elements: hydrogen and helium.
• Apollo 11 was the first spaceflight that landed on the Moon.