TV on a Rolling Cart

Why do we have leap years?

From Mystery Doug

Why do we have leap years?
8 minK1st2nd3rd4th5thScience
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Summary

Mystery Doug takes on a real kid's question -- "Why do we have leap years?" -- and follows the clues. Earth takes about 365 and a quarter days to circle the sun, so every four years we add a leap day to catch up. A quick five-minute watch to spark curiosity and kick off a conversation.

Viewer safety

All ages
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Teaching resources

Discussion questions

Discussion

Doug investigates a question kids really asked: "Why do we have leap years?"

  1. What was Doug's answer to today's question, in your own words?
  2. What surprised you most about leap year, or what did you already know?
  3. What's one thing this makes you want to find out more about?

Quick work-a-long

Words to know: leap year, orbit, calendar.

Try it: Explain the answer to "Why do we have leap years?" to someone at home using these three words, then write down one new question it made you wonder.