Name: ________________________________
Period: ________
Seasons Lab
● This lab demonstrates Earth revolving around the Sun.
● The four Styrofoam balls represent the Earth in four different positions in its orbit. The blue
circle represents the Northern hemisphere, and the red circle represents the Southern
hemisphere. The light in the middle represents the Sun.
● DO NOT remove the stick (axis) from the play-doh container. Place the play-doh containers on
top of the stack of books.
● Keep the Earth in four positions around the Sun.
● Make sure that the axis always faces Polaris (The North Star).
● Compare the amount of light at the blue light vs. the red line.
Analysis:
1) Which place (northern - blue or southern hemisphere - red) gets more sunlight during each
position?
A: ______________________________________
B: ______________________________________
C: ______________________________________
D: ______________________________________
2) Write the scientific name for the Earth’s position around the Sun. (Vernal equinox, Autumnal
Equinox, Summer solstice, Winter solstice)
A: ______________________________________
B: ______________________________________
C: ______________________________________
D: ______________________________________
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
Which position shows the longest day in the northern hemisphere (blue line)? ________
Which position shows the shortest day in the southern hemisphere (red line)? ________
Which position shows the start of Spring in the northern hemisphere (blue line)? ________
Which position shows the start of Spring in the southern hemisphere (red line)? _______
Approximately how long does the earth take to go from position A to C? _____________
Approximately how long does the earth take to go from position B to C? _____________
Assume that somewhere on the blue line is the famous Denali national park in Alaska that you
have been wanting to visit. What position is a good time to visit? _________
10) When is the Earth in position C? ________
11) Australia is in the southern hemisphere. You have been wanting to snorkel to check out the
coral in the Great Barrier Reef. Which months are good for such a visit? ________________