The Reasons for the Seasons Web Quest
Introduction
Why do we have seasons? Why is winter colder than summer? Is it
because the Earth is closer to the Sun in summer than winter?
This Web Quest will help you understand the reasons for the seasons.
Take your time and complete each task carefully. If you do, you’ll be
surprised just how much you will learn.
Task
You have been hired by an educational publishing company to produce
four posters for middle school science classrooms focusing on The
Reasons for the Seasons.
1. Misconceptions About the Reasons for the Seasons
2. Tilt of the Earth
3. Earth Location and Seasons
4. How the Angle of Heat Energy from the Sun affects heat during the
seasons.
Poster Requirements
- Posters will be drawn on 8 ½ x 11 sheet of paper.
- Titles, diagrams and drawings will be used on every
poster.
- Color pencils will be used for illustrations.
- The poster will be neat and all information easily found.
- Turn in all notes with posters
Use the Reasons for the Seasons Web Quest
Handout to take all your notes and create your
illustrations for your posters.
Misconceptions
The first poster will identify misconceptions students have
about the seasons. What are these misconceptions? Use the
resources below to find common misconceptions students
have about the reasons for the seasons.
Common Misconceptions
Seasons Misconceptions (read Seasons Misconceptions
paragraph)
More Common Misconceptions
It’s the Tilt, Baby!
The real reason for the seasons is the tilt of the Earth. Go
the websites below. Use the information you learn from the
websites to explain the tilt of the Earth. You will need this
information to make the second poster.
Earth's Tilt Is the Reason for the Seasons!
Earth’s Revolution and Sun Angle
What Causes the Seasons?
Earth Location and Seasons
As the Earth revolves around the Sun, the tilt of the Earth
affects the seasons. The direction of the tilt never changes.
It is always pointing towards the North Star (Polaris). Using
the information from the websites, you will make the third
poster. The third poster will show the location of the Earth at
each season. Label the Winter/Summer Solstice and
Spring/Fall Equinox.
Make sure the tilt is in the right direction!
Earth’s Appearance Different Times During the Year
Real Time Sunlight on Earth
Seasons Interactive
Seasons Interactive II
Observe Seasonal Changes
What’s Your Angle?
We have learned that the Earth’s tilt is responsible for the
seasons. We have also learned how the position of the Earth
as it goes around the Sun affects the seasons. The next
question is, “How do the tilt and the Earth’s position affect
the seasons?” Use the resources below to get the
information you need to make the fourth poster.
Earth Sun Geometry
Sun Angle and Light
Earth’s Revolution and Sun Angle
Understanding the Seasons Through Pictures
Look for the section on direct vs. indirect energy.