Seasons: Why do we have them?
Learn why the temperature in the summertime is higher than it is in the winter by studying the amount of light striking the Earth. Experiment with a plate detector to measure the amount of light striking the plate as the angle of the plate is adjusted (and then use a group of plates placed at different locations on the Earth) and measure the incoming radiation on each plate.
Launch GizmoSeasons: Why do we have them?
Learn why the temperature in the summertime is higher than it is in the winter by studying the amount of light striking the Earth. Experiment with a plate detector to measure the amount of light striking the plate as the angle of the plate is adjusted (and then use a group of plates placed at different locations on the Earth) and measure the incoming radiation on each plate.
5 Minute Preview
Use for 5 minutes a day.
LESSON MATERIALS:
FROM OUR COMMUNITY
User Submitted Lesson Materials (2):
Google Doc of Student Exploration Sheet
In the file, click on the link to make a copy of the Google Doc of the Student Exploration Sheet.
Best For:
3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade Science
Virtual Lab - Why do we have seasons?
Worksheet that can be done as a companion to this activity. Designed for SNC2D Climate unit but could eas... (more)ily be used in CGC1D-P
Best For:
Earth/Space Science
User Recommendations (5):
Does a nice job of showing the relationship between tilt and seasons
Recommended for: Earth/Space ScienceGizmo User from Virginia
Its a good simulator for why its colder at the poles; and for what causes the seasons. BUT the activity sheet falls short of these goals.
Recommended for: Earth/Space ScienceGizmo User from Utah
This Gizmo provides an opportunity to collect data, interpret information and take what they are learning and apply to Earth.
Recommended for: Earth/Space ScienceGizmo User from South Carolina
Very good at reinforcing or discovering a basic concept in grade 9 astronomy unit.
Recommended for: Earth/Space ScienceGizmo User from Ontario
This Gizmo does a great job of clearing up the common misconceptions students have about the reasons for the seasons!
Recommended for: Earth/Space ScienceGizmo User from Virginia