What method would most effectively help second-grade students understand the Sun's movement across the sky?

The most effective method for helping second-grade students understand the Sun's movement across the sky is to have them observe and record the length of an object's shadow. This hands-on approach allows students to engage directly with a tangible phenomenon that visually demonstrates the Sun's position and its relation to objects on Earth.

By observing shadows at different times of the day, students can see how the length and direction of the shadow change as the Sun moves. This firsthand experience fosters a deeper understanding of the concept of the Sun's movement, allowing them to connect the abstract idea of the Sun's path in the sky to a real-life observation they can relate to and discuss.

Moreover, recording these observations encourages critical thinking and scientific inquiry, essential skills in the learning process, as students will need to analyze and interpret data they collect over time. This method aligns well with pedagogical strategies that emphasize experiential learning and inquiry-based education, making it particularly suitable for young learners.

Other approaches, though educational in their own right, do not provide the same level of direct engagement with the concept of the Sun's movement as this hands-on shadow observation does. Reading books can increase knowledge but lacks the dynamic interaction necessary for strong comprehension at this age. Similarly, inviting a meteorologist may offer