Unit: Space Topic: Seasons Page: # I CAN… Explain how the seasons are the result of the Earth’s tilt as it rotates on its axis in its orbit around the Sun.

Focus ? Why is it Winter in the Northern hemisphere when it is Summer in the Southern hemisphere?

Explain As earth revolves around the sun, the tilted axis causes the angle of sunlight to change. As the angle of sunlight changes, the temperatures change!

Explain When the sunlight strikes the Northern Hemisphere directly, the days are longer and hotter (summer). While the sunlight is striking the Northern Hemisphere directly, it is striking the Southern Hemisphere at an angle, causing the days to be shorter and colder (winter).

When the Earth is on the other side of the sun, the seasons are reversed. The Southern Hemisphere begins winter when the Northern Hemisphere starts summer. The seasons north and south of the equator are always opposite each other.

During part of the year, the North Pole points away from the sun During part of the year, the North Pole points away from the sun. This season is _. winter_____

During part of the year the North Pole tilts towards the sun During part of the year the North Pole tilts towards the sun. This season is ________. summer

Solstices At two points throughout the year, the tilt of the Earth reaches a max angle compared to the Sun- June 21st and December 21st. The rays of the Sun shine directly on the Tropics.

Equinoxes At two points during the year the tilt of the axis causes the Earth to be straight relative to the Sun- March 20th and September 22nd Sun rays sine directly on the equator.

Practice LEAP questions- GP

Where does the Northern Hemisphere experience Summer?

LEAP What happens when the area in which you live tilts away from the sun? It’s summer in your area It’s spring in your area It’s fall in your area It’s winter in your area

LEAP What causes summer days to be hotter than winter days? The hemisphere experiencing summer is tilted more directly toward the sun. The entire planet is closer to the sun during summer. The sun radiates more energy during summer. The earth spins slower on its axis during summer.

If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, on which day of the year will your hometown receive the most daylight? September 21 December 21 March 21 June 21

What causes the seasons to change? The Earth’s distance from the sun The warming and cooling of Earth’s core The Earth’s tilt in relation to the sun The Earth’s rotation on its axis  

What season at D in the Northern Hemisphere?

How are winters in the Northern Hemisphere different from winters in the Southern Hemisphere? A. Winter days are short in the Northern Hemisphere and long in the South. B. Northern Hemisphere winters are cold; Southern winters are hot. C. In the Northern Hemisphere winter lasts from December to March; in the South, it lasts from June to September. D. In the Northern Hemisphere, winter lasts from June to September, in the South it lasts from December to March.

Why does the area around the equator stay the same temperature year-round? It remains the same distance from the sun year-round It receives the same amount of direct sunlight year-round Its days are more than 18 hours long year-round The equator rotates slower than the poles

Words to Use and Not Use! Recommended words: Tilt towards, tilt away from, angle, hemisphere Not allowed: Closer, Farther, distance, side (or half) of the earth