1. On planet earth, we have areas that receive different amounts of the
sun’s energy
This situation results in hot areas, cold areas, and areas in between
Climate-
The average weather condition in
an area over a long period of time
Seasons-
Yearly climate changes or “cycles” within particular areas of the planet
The amount and type of seasons experienced
depends on a
location’s climate zone:

2. Because the earth is curved, The sun’s rays hit at different angles
The 3 major Climate Zones are a result of the way the sun’s energy strikes the surface of our planet.
Because the earth is curved, The
sun’s rays hit at different angles
Climate (in both large and small scale scales)
is also a factor of wind patterns and
surface features, like mountains and water.

3. Seasons are still caused by differences in the amount of sun’s energy places receive.
But, it is the tilt of the earth’s axis that gives us seasons throughout the year.
This tilt affects how much solar energy an area receives as Earth moves around the sun

4. Facts to know: axis 24 hrs. 23.5 365 days Elliptical Northern Southern
The Earth’s ______ is an imaginary line that goes through the center of Earth connecting the north pole with the south pole
The Earth rotates on its axis counter-clockwise once every ________.
The Earth is tilted on its axis at _____ degrees
The Earth revolves around the sun once every __________.
The Earth’s orbit around the sun is not circular, but ___________
The Earth is divided into two hemispheres, the __________ hemisphere is the half above the equator, and the ____________ hemisphere is the half below the equator.
The sun is closest to the Earth when the ____________ hemisphere experiences the summer season.
Because the Earth is always ______, the ____________ “take turns” getting the bulk of the ______ radiation as we __________ around it throughout the ______.
24 hrs.
23.5
365 days
Elliptical
Northern
Southern
Southern
Tilted
Hemispheres
Sun’s
Revolve
Year

5. TASK:
“Create your own diagram showing how and why our planet experiences seasons”
Grading / Requirements:
___________________________________________________
5pts. Show the sun, as well as the Earth with two hemispheres and a tilted axis
5pts. Show accurate sun and Earth positions throughout the year as well as direction traveled and time frames.
5pts. Properly label all parts (including months, hemispheres, axis, and a title!)
5pts. Include an appropriate amount of information covered in class (Include facts that relate to seasons and climate)
5pts. End product should be neat and
organized
5pts. Work should reflect appropriate use of class time
Total available points: 30