Reason for Seasons

Front

What causes the seasons on Earth?

Back

The tilt of the Earth's axis and its orbit around the Sun cause the seasons.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Front

What is the tilt of the Earth's axis?

Back

The Earth's axis is tilted at an angle of approximately 23.5 degrees.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Front

What season occurs in the Northern Hemisphere when it is summer in the Southern Hemisphere?

Back

Winter.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Front

Why is it colder in the winter?

Back

The sunlight hits the Earth at a more oblique angle, spreading the energy over a larger area.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is the equinox?

Back

An equinox is a time when day and night are approximately equal in length, occurring in spring and fall.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Front

What happens during the summer solstice?

Back

The summer solstice is the longest day of the year, occurring when one hemisphere is tilted closest to the Sun.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Front

What is the winter solstice?

Back

The winter solstice is the shortest day of the year, occurring when one hemisphere is tilted farthest from the Sun.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

How does the Earth's orbit affect the seasons?

Back

The Earth's orbit around the Sun changes the angle and intensity of sunlight received at different times of the year.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Front

What is the difference between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres regarding seasons?

Back

When it is summer in the Northern Hemisphere, it is winter in the Southern Hemisphere, and vice versa.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is the significance of the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn?

Back

These lines mark the farthest points north and south where the Sun can be directly overhead, affecting seasonal changes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1