Mai Lesson

Lights on the Longest Night

Science · 30 min · Any age · You and your child together

Uncover the science behind long winter nights by modeling Earth's tilt, then explore how families around the world light up the darkest season. Finish by making a paper lantern of your own.

What your child gets out of it

• Model Earth's tilt to understand varying day and night lengths.
• Identify and describe winter light traditions from different cultures.
• Create a paper lantern, connecting it to a cultural celebration of light.

What you need

• Flashlight — A bright, single-point light source works best.
• Foam ball or globe — Something round that can be easily tilted and held. (or Orange or apple, Play-Doh ball)
• Small sticker — Marks your home on the ball. (or A dot of tape, A marker dot)
• Paper — Standard printer paper or construction paper for the lantern.
• Scissors
• Glue or tape
• Coloring supplies (or Crayons, Markers, Colored pencils)
• String or yarn — For hanging the finished lantern. (or Ribbon, Thin wire)
• Printable worksheet — This includes the tilted-Earth diagram, world map and lantern cut-out.
• Darkened room — A room where you can easily dim or turn off lights for the Earth model.

How it runs

1. Introduction · 3 min
2. Explore & Plan · 8 min
3. Discussion · 8 min
4. Activity · 7 min
5. Summary · 4 min