WeatherHawk Seasons Web Project
Name of Activity: The Reason for the Seasons
Grade level: 5-10
Objectives and Purpose for learners:
National Science Teachers Association Standards (NSTA):
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Analyzes and reviews scientific explanations.
Use appropriate tools and techniques to gather, analyze and interpret data.
Develop descriptions, explanations, predictions and models using
evidence.
Think critically and logically to make the relationships between evidence
and explanations.
Communicate scientific procedures and explanations.
Lesson Objective:
As part of the weather unit, students will discover why we experience seasons and
the yearly changes in the weather. This web-based project is designed to be done
individually by students who have access to the Internet. Allow 1 full class
period for the research and writing.
Materials needed:
Computer(s) with Internet access
Science journals or other writing materials
Copies of the student worksheet
The Reason for the Seasons!
Name _____________
Student worksheet
Class Period________
Have you ever wondered why it's warmer in the summer and colder in the winter? Let's
find out...
In your journal, answer these questions and define these terms after viewing each
website. Check yourself for accuracy by making sure that you read all questions before
and after viewing each website.
Part 1:
http://www.scienceu.com/observatory/articles/seasons/seasons.html
1--What causes the seasons?
2--What is the tilt (angle) of the Earth?
3--What does solstice mean? When do those occur?
4--What does equinox mean? When do those occur?
5--If it is summer in our state, what season is it in Argentina? Why?
6—True or False
In the northern hemisphere the Earth is closer to the sun in the
summer. That's why it's warmer.
7--What would happen if the Earth had no tilt (0 degrees)?
8--What is an "axis"?
9--What planet has a 98 degree axis tilt?
Part 2:
http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/earth/climate/cli_seasons.html
10--During our summer solstice, which pole (north or south) is pointed toward the sun?
11--What is the date of our summer solstice?
12--During our autumnal equinox, what occurs with the length of day and night?
13--What is the date of our autumnal (fall) equinox?
14--During our winter solstice, which pole (north or south) is pointed toward the sun?
15--What is the date of our winter solstice?
16--During our vernal equinox, what occurs with the length of day and night?
17--What is the date of our vernal (spring) equinox?
Part 3:
http://prisms.mmsa.org/review.php?rid=485
Click on "Seasons Interactive" and answer the following
First, set the angle of inclination for earth and watch what happens.
Next, set the angle of inclination for Venus and then Uranus to see what happens to the
length of sunlight and the average daily temperature for each.
19--What would happen to our seasons and temperature if we had an angle like that of
Venus'?
20--What would happen to our seasons and temperature if we had and angle like that of
Uranus'?
Another great website to check out as you wrap up.
http://www.classzone.com/books/ml_science_share/vis_sim/ssm05_pg41_se
asons/ssm05_pg41_seasons.html
Conclusion:
In your science journal, write a paragraph explaining what makes the seasons on earth,
and then relate your knowledge to your everyday life. What does understanding why we
have seasons help explain?