Quick answer: The solar system is the Sun with the eight planets that orbit it, held in place by the Sun's gravity. This grade 6 science lab on solar system gives the aim, the equipment, the safety points, a step-by-step method, sample results and 7 analysis questions; the answers are on a separate page and the lab sheet is a free printable PDF.
Why is sunlight stronger in summer? In this lab you shine a torch on paper at different angles and measure how far the light spreads, then use your results to explain the seasons.
Level: Grade 6 science (Year 7 · Class 6) · Curriculum: MS-ESS1-2
Aim
To find out how the angle of sunlight changes how much a surface is lit, which explains why summer is warmer than winter.
Equipment
- Torch with a narrow beam
- Squared paper (1 cm squares) taped flat on a table
- Protractor
- Ruler
- Books to hold the torch at fixed heights
- Pencil
Safety
Never shine the torch into anyone’s eyes. Work in a dim room with the bench clear, and keep bags away from the walkway.
Method
- Hold the torch so the beam hits the paper at 90°. Draw round the lit spot and measure its length and width.
- Keep the torch the same distance from the paper (measure along the beam) and repeat at 60°, 45° and 30° to the table.
- Record the length and width of the spot each time.
- Calculate the area as 0.785 × length × width.
- Calculate relative brightness as the area at 90° divided by each area.
Results
| Angle to table | Length (cm) | Width (cm) | Area (cm²) | Relative brightness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90° | 4.0 | 4.0 | 12.6 | 1.00 |
| 60° | 4.6 | 4.0 | 14.4 | 0.88 |
| 45° | 5.7 | 4.0 | 17.9 | 0.70 |
| 30° | 8.0 | 4.0 | 25.1 | 0.50 |
Analysis questions
Question 1 Pattern
1. Describe how the area of the lit spot changes as the angle decreases.Question 2 Brightness
1. State what happens to the relative brightness as the angle decreases and explain why.Question 3 Check a value
1. Show how the area 25.1 cm² at 30° was calculated.Question 4 Link to seasons
1. Which angle models summer sunlight in Leeds and which models winter? Explain.Question 5 Predict
1. Predict the length of the lit spot at 20°, assuming the length equals 4.0 ÷ sin(angle). Use sin 20° = 0.342.Question 6 Errors
1. Give two sources of error in this lab and one way to reduce each.Question 7 Limits of the model
1. Name one thing this model does not show about the real seasons.
