Learning Target: I can analyze data and make predictions of change in seasons.

Think about these questions today as we review what we know about the Sun, moon, and Earth:

• What is the degree angle of the tilt of the Earth?
• In which direction does the Earth’s axis always point?
• What does it mean to revolve?
• What does the tilt of the Earth cause as it revolves around the Earth?
• What causes the seasons?
• How does the tilt of the Earth affect the amount of sunlight we receive?

Vocabulary:

• axis
• revolve
• revolution
• Northern hemisphere
• Southern hemisphere
• equator
• season

 

Introduction:

• Video:  One Year in 40 Seconds

Explore:

• Activity:  Model the Revolution of the Earth Around the Sun
• Animation:  Earth-Sun Relationship (Use the slider across the bottom.)
• Animation:  Earth’s Revolution Around the Sun
• Online Model:  Earth’s Orbit and Daylight
• Activity:  Model Angle of Sun (Use flashlight and graph paper)

Explain:

• Online Lesson:  Seasons (click on “Seasons Interactive”)
• Video:  Solar Orientation (First 6 min.)
• Reading:  Science Fusion (pages 436-437)

Evaluation:

• T-Chart for Rotation and Revolution (students write on post-its)

Learn More:

• Brainpop:  Seasons
• Brainpop:  Solstice and Equinox
• Study Jams:  Seasons Slideshow

For Fun:

• Art Video:  Changing Seasons (2.75 min.)