Reasons for the Seasons

Multiple Choice

Which best shows the sizes and distances between the Earth and the Sun?

• A

• B

• C

Multiple Choice

How many Earths would it take to cross the Sun?

• 10

• 50

• 100

• 500

Multiple Choice

Which best shows the shape of Earth’s orbit around the Sun?

• A

• B

• C

• D

Multiple Choice

Which correctly explains why there are seasons?

• Because the U.S. is closer to the sun in summer and farther from the sun in Winter.

• Because the U.S. is facing more toward the Sun in summer and away from the Sun in winter.

• Because the Sun is hotter during the summer months.

• Because the Earth’s orbit is highly elliptical.

Open Ended

Explain why the Earth experiences seasons even though its orbit around the Sun is nearly circular.

Multiple Choice

Earth’s axis is tilted ___ degrees.

• 23.4
• 25.6

• 36.5

• 67.3

Multiple Select

Select all statements that are true about Earth's axis and its orbit around the Sun.

• Earth’s axis is always pointed in the same direction.

• Earth’s axis changes direction as it orbits the Sun.

• Earth’s orbit is nearly circular.

• Earth’s axis is tilted.

Multiple Choice

Which shows Earth during the Summer, if we live in the Northern Hemisphere?

• A

• B

• Both A and B

• Neither A nor B

Multiple Choice

Earth’s tilt causes the Sun to be higher in the sky in summer, so its rays are more directly concentrated on the ___ .

• ground
• equator

• pole

• moon

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best explains why the Northern Hemisphere experiences summer when it is tilted towards the sun?

• The tilt moves the hemisphere closer to the sun, making it hotter.

• The Sun is higher in the sky, so its rays are more concentrated.

• The Earth spins faster during summer.

• The days are longer in summer.

Multiple Choice

Which punch will move the basketball farther: a punch dead center or a punch at the top?

• A punch dead center

• A punch at the top

• Both punches move it equally

• Neither punch moves it

Multiple Select

Which of the following two statements correctly describe the difference between direct and indirect sunlight on Earth?

• Direct sunlight covers a smaller area and is more intense

• Indirect sunlight covers a larger area and is less intense

• Direct sunlight leads to colder temperatures

• Indirect sunlight leads to hotter temperatures

Multiple Choice

Why does the equator experience hotter temperatures compared to regions farther north?

• Because the equator receives direct light over a small area

• Because the equator is closer to the sun

• Because the equator has less atmosphere

• Because the equator receives indirect light

Multiple Choice

When sunlight is spread out over a ___ area, each spot receives less light concentration.

• large
• small

Open Ended

Explain how the way a rock hits water can be used as an analogy for how sunlight is distributed on Earth.

Multiple Choice

What season is it in the U.S. when sunlight is less concentrated and spread out over a larger area?

• Winter

• Summer

• Spring

• Fall

Open Ended

Explain how the direction of Earth's axis affects the way the U.S. faces the Sun throughout the year.

Multiple Choice

If the Earth revolves counter-clockwise, what two seasons are shown at positions A and B in the diagram?

• Spring and Fall
• Winter and Summer

• Fall and Winter

• Spring and Summer

Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements about the equinox is correct?

• Both hemispheres receive equal sunlight

• Only the Northern Hemisphere receives sunlight

• Only the Southern Hemisphere receives sunlight

• The equator receives no sunlight

Open Ended

Compare the conditions of the Northern Hemisphere during the Winter Solstice and Summer Solstice. What are the main differences in sunlight and day length?

Open Ended

What causes the seasons?