Reason for the Seasons

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In this activity (on page 6 of the PDF), learners plot the path of the sun's apparent movement across the sky on two days, with the second day occurring two or three months after the first. This is an introductory activity in a guide related to the science of sleep and daily rhythms, but can also be used to explain why we have seasons. This activity also has a strong math element as learners will use a protractor to estimate the angle of the sun in a model. This lesson guide includes background information, setup and management tips, extensions and handouts.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:
1 to 7 days
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Model, Simulation
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Earth globe (with axial tilt) on a portable stand
  • Yellow ball, about 8 in. diameter, to serve as a sun model
  • 2 small, blue glass "pony" beads (available from craft stores)
  • 2 toothpicks or wooden skewers
  • Twine or string, approximately 75 ft
  • Glue
  • 8-in. squares of cardboard
  • 8-in lengths of string
  • Clear plastic dome-shaped lids (as used to cover whipped toppings on coffee or frozen drinks)
  • Fine-point markers, black
  • Pencils
  • Protractors
  • Rulers
  • Several pieces of masking tape
  • Copies of student sheets (pp. 10-11)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth Structure
    • Earth, Moon and Sun
      • Days
      • Seasons
  • Life Sciences
    • Human Body
  • Mathematics
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Analysis
      • Data Collection
      • Data Representation
    • Geometry
      • Plane Geometry
      • Solid Geometry
    • Measurement
  • Physical Sciences
    • Motion and Forces
      • Rotation Motion
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results

Informal Categories

  • Model Building

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Moreno, Nancy P. ; Tharp, Barbara Z. ; Vogt, Greg L.

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Baylor College of Medicine, 2009

Funding Source:

  • NASA, NCC 9-58