Change of Seasons

Change of Seasons

Understand how the tilt of the Earth causes the seasons.

Dividing the Earth

• The Equator is an imaginary line dividing the Earth into northern and southern hemispheres. 

• The Northern Hemisphere is the half of Earth that is north of the Equator.

• The Southern Hemisphere is the half of Earth that is south of the Equator.

Earth's Tilt

• Remember from the video, Earth's axis is tilted 23.5 degrees away from its orbit axis.
• The Earth's axis is always pointed (or tilted) in the same direction.

Open Ended

What do you think may be the cause of Earth's tilt?

Seasons in the Northern Hemisphere

• When the Northern Hemisphere tilts toward the sun, we have more daylight hours and more intense sunlight (SUMMER)

• When the Northern Hemisphere tilts away from the sun, we have less daylight hours and less intense sunlight (WINTER)

Multiple Choice

When the Northern Hemisphere tilts away from the sun, what season are we experiencing?

• Summer

• Fall (Autumn)

• Winter

• Spring

Multiple Choice

When the Northern Hemisphere tilts toward the sun, what season are we experiencing?

• Summer

• Fall (Autumn)

• Winter

• Spring

Winter Solstice

The Winter Solstice is around December 21st. It is the shortest day of the year. Solstice means 'sun stop' and refers the sun being at its lowest path in the sky.

Multiple Choice

How many hours of daylight do we receive on the Winter Solstice?

• 24 hours

• 15 hours

• 12 hours

• 9 hours

Summer Solstice

The Summer Solstice is around June 21st. It is the longest day of the year. It refers to the day when the sun it at its highest path in the sky.

Multiple Choice

How many hours of daylight do we receive on the Summer Solstice?

• 24 hours

• 15 hours

• 12 hours

• 9 hours

Autumn Equinox

The Autumn Equinox is around September 21st. The word equinox means equal day and equal night. On this day, the sun is directly above the Equator.

The Spring Equinox

Also known as the Vernal Equinox, this day happens around March 21st. Like the Autumn Equinox, on this day, we experience equal hours of day and night. And the sun is directly above the Equator.

Multiple Choice

If the Spring Equinox and the Fall Equinox have equal day and equal night, how many hours of daylight do we receive?

• 24 hours

• 15 hours

• 12 hours

• 9 hours