Summer and Winter
Observe the tilt of Earth's axis and the angle that sunlight strikes Earth on June 21 and December 21. Compare day lengths, temperatures, and the angle of the Sun's rays for any latitude. The tilt of the Earth's axis can be varied to see how this would affect seasons.
Launch GizmoSummer and Winter
Observe the tilt of Earth's axis and the angle that sunlight strikes Earth on June 21 and December 21. Compare day lengths, temperatures, and the angle of the Sun's rays for any latitude. The tilt of the Earth's axis can be varied to see how this would affect seasons.
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LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- Learn what causes seasons.
- Observe the tilt of Earth's axis and see why Sun rays hit locations at different angles in June and December.
- Relate seasons to the duration and directness of sunlight.
- Compare seasons in the northern and southern hemispheres.
- Compare the intensity of seasonal changes at different latitudes.
VOCABULARY:
- axis, equator, hemisphere, latitude, season, summer solstice, winter solstice
LESSON MATERIALS:
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I like this gizmo for our Sun, Earth, and Moon Unit.
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