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
Earth's Tilt Is the Reason for 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
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
Sun/Angle Lab
Sun Angle and Light
Understanding the Seasons Through Pictures
Observing the Sky: Motion of the Earth - Seasons
The Seasons - II
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