Seasons: Earth, Moon, and Sun


Observe the motions of the Earth, Moon and Sun in three dimensions to explain Sunrise and Sunset, and to see how we define a day, a month, and a year. Compare times of Sunrise and Sunset for different dates and locations. Relate shadows to the position of the Sun in the sky, and relate shadows to compass directions.

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Assessment Questions (5):

  1. The diagram below shows the Earth and Sun. What is the most likely time for the location marked with a red dot? (Reminder: Earth rotates in a counterclockwise direction.)

    The Sun and the Earth
  2. About how long does it take the Moon to orbit the Earth?
  3. The image below represents the Sun on January 1 seen from North America. The letters represent the directions (east, south, and west). What time of day could it be?

    A view of a landscape and the Sun.
  4. On March 21, a stick casts the following shadow. What is the most likely time of day?

    A stick and its shadow on a compass.
  5. Which of the following is NOT true about noon in the Northern Hemisphere, on January 1?

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