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Year 1 - Science

Day length in winter

Seasonal changes: autumn and winter

Unit Summary

This unit explores observing changes across autumn and winter, including weather patterns and variations in day length. It emphasises asking questions, using simple equipment for observations, identifying and classifying, gathering data, and using observations to answer questions.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to observe what happens to day length in winter.

Key Notes

  • The amount of light we see each day changes throughout the year.
  • Day length is shorter in the season of winter and this means that it is darker for longer.
  • Day length can be investigated using observation skills.
  • A clock can be used to help record what time it becomes dark each evening.
  • The shortest day, when we have the least amount of daylight, in the UK is December 21st.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • light: It is light during the daytime.
  • season: Seasons are periods of similar weather. In the UK there are four seasons (spring, summer, autumn and winter).
  • winter: Winter is the coldest season of the year. It is between autumn and spring.
  • day length: Day length is how long it is light for during a day. This happens between sunrise and sunset.
  • time: Time tells you how long something takes to happen.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • We have the same amount of daylight in every season.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.

The amount of light we see each day changes throughout the year. Day length is shorter in the season of winter and this means that it is darker for longer.

2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'light'

It is light during the daytime. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.

3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.

Mistake: We have the same amount of daylight in every season. Correction: Explanation of how day length changes throughout the year and is shorter during winter.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 1 Science guide library.