Why Is It Hotter At The Earth’s Equator?

Get out the globe or map of the world for this fun lesson about the Earth! Discuss the equator and explore where it is and talk about the climate at the equator. Once the discussion is complete, ask why do you think it is hotter at the equator?

You will need: flashlight and white paper with a line drawn in the middle (equator).

1. Put piece of paper on table and turn off the lights in the room.

2. Aim flashlight straight down at paper. Talk about what the children see.

3. Tilt the flashlight and aim at paper. Ask the children what they notice and if it looks different.

When the sun shines on the Earth at the equator, it is more intense, just like the flashlight facing directly straight down. When you move away from the equator, the light is at an angle and therefore cooler (just like the flashlight tilted.)

After discussing the results and exploring on their own have your child or children explain in their own words what happened.