The Reason for the Seasons
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Reason for the Seasons 

Introduction

Why do we have seasons? Why is winter colder than summer? Is it because the Earth is closer to the Sun in summer than winter?

This WebQuest will help you understand the reasons for the seasons. Take your time and complete each task carefully. If you do, you’ll be surprised just how much you will learn.

You have been hired by an educational publishing company to produce posters for middle school science classrooms. Your first poster is to be one that shows the causes of seasons on Earth.

Since many students have the wrong idea about what causes seasons (they think that they are caused by the Earth being closer to the Sun during the summer) it is very important that your poster be very accurate. Your poster will answer the question "What causes seasons".

Task

Using a sheet of drawing paper and colored pencils or colors or markers to make your poster.
If you haven’t been given a sheet outlining the requirements for the posters,click here.

Process

Misconceptions

The first poster you will make will be one that identifies misconceptions students have about the seasons. What are these misconceptions? Use the resources below to find common misconceptions students have about the reasons for the seasons.
If you don’t have a worksheet to record your information,click here.

 

What Causes the Seasons?

Common Misconceptions

The Seasons

Once you have the information about the misconceptions, it’s time to find the real reasons for the seasons

Earth’s Orbit Around the Sun

 

The first reason you are to research is the orbitof the Earth around

the Sun. Use the resources below to get the information you will

need to make your second poster.

 

The Earth’s Orbit

Earth’s Yearly Revolution Around the Sun

Revolution of the Earth Around the Sun

The Earth’s Revolution Around the Sun

The Changing Seasons: A Brief Tutorial

Seasons Around the Sun

Cause of the Seasons Animations/Interactives

 

It’s the Tilt, Baby!

 

Another reason for the seasons is the tilt of the Earth. Use the resources below to get the information you need to make your third poster.

 

Earth’s Tilt and the Seasons

Cause of the Seasons Animations/Interactives

Earth's Tilt Is the Reason for the Seasons!

What Causes the Seasons?

Seasons and the Tilt

Seasons and the Tilt Interactive

Why is the Earth Tilted?(podcast)

Animation Showing How Earth’s Tilt Causes Seasons

The Seasons Explained

Earth’s Revolution and Sun Angle

 

Where’s the Earth?

 

As the Earth revolves around the Sun, the tilt of the Earth affects the seasons. Use the resources below to find out how the Earth’s position as it revolves around the Sun affects the seasons.

 

Earth’s Appearance Different Times During the Year

Seasons Interactive

Earth’s Seasons Interactive

Cause of the Seasons Animations/Interactives

The Reason for the Seasons Applet


What’s Your Angle?

 

We have learned that the Earth’s tilt is responsible for the seasons. We have also learned how the position of the Earth as it goes around the Sun affects the seasons. The next question is, “How do the tilt and the Earth’s position affect the seasons?”

Use the resources below to get the information you need to make your fourth poster.

 

Earth Sun Geometry

Direct/Indirect Sunlight Interactive

Cause of the Seasons Animations/Interactives

Sun/Angle Lab

Sun Angle and Light

Earth’s Revolution and Sun Angle

Understanding the Seasons Through Pictures

Observing the Sky: Motion of the Earth - Seasons

The Seasons

The Seasons - II

Earth’s Revolution and Sun Angle

Evaluation

Here is how your posters will be evaluated:

 

 

CATEGORY

4

3

2

1

Required Elements

The poster includes all required elements as well as additional information.

All required elements are included on the poster.

All but one of the required elements are included on the poster.

Several required elements were missing.

Content - Accuracy

All the facts are accurate at a level above requirements as determined by the teacher.

All the facts on the poster are accurate.

Most of the facts on the poster are accurate.

Few of the facts on the poster are accurate.

Attractiveness

The poster is exceptionally attractive in terms of design, layout, and neatness.

The poster is attractive in terms of design, layout, and neatness.

The poster is acceptably attractive though it may be a bit messy.

The poster is distractingly messy or very poorly designed. It is not attractive.

Mechanics

Capitalization and punctuation are correct throughout the poster.

There is one error in capitalization or punctuation.

There are two errors in capitalization or punctuation.

There are more than two errors in capitalization or punctuation.

Printable Copy

 

Conclusion

As you have researched the information required for the posters,you have learned about the reasons for the seasons. Your challenge is to remember this information and share it whenever  someone does not understand the reasons for the                  seasons.