Class Objective: Today We Will Discover Why We Experience Seasons and Yearly Changes in Weather

The Reason for the Seasons Name ______

Student worksheet Period______

Have you ever wondered why it's warmer in the summer and colder in the winter? 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.windows2universe.org/the_universe/uts/seasons2.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_seasons/ssm05_pg41_seasons.html

Conclusion: Pair up with your table group and discuss. After your discussion complete the following activity

In your science journal, write a paragraph explaining what makes the seasons on earth, and then relate your knowledge to your everyday life.