Seasons Grade 5 science: Most of the cycles and patterns of motion between the Earth and sun are predictable.

Rotation: One whole spin of an object on its axis. Takes 24 hours or 1 day Causes day and night Revolution: one full orbit around the sun. Takes 365 days or 1 year Causes seasons (with the tilt of the Earth)

Axis: Imaginary center line through a planet. Earth’s axis is tilted 23.5 ° Earth’s tilt causes seasons! Orbit: Path around the sun Gravity keeps planets in orbit Slightly elliptical

Vernal (Spring) Equinox Autumnal (Fall) Equinox Mar. 20 or 21 Equal day and night hours Both hemispheres are same distance from the sun Both hemisphere receive same amount of sunlight Winter Solstice Dec. 21 or 22 Shortest daylight hours Least amount of sunlight N. Hemisphere is pointed as far away as possible from the sun Summer Solstice Jun. 21 Longest daylight hours Most amount of sunlight N. Hemisphere is pointed towards the sun Autumnal (Fall) Equinox Sep. 22 or 23 Equal day and night hours Both hemispheres are same distance from the sun Both hemisphere receive same amount of sunlight

Make sure you keep the tilt the same direction during the entire orbit!! The Sun and Earth are not to scale!! 