The Science of Leap Year

What do the years 2020, 2024, 2028, 2032, 2036, 2040, and 2044 have in common?

• They are all years when Mars is closest to Earth.

• They are all years without a full moon in February.

• They are all Winter Olympic years.

• They are all Leap Years.

Why do we have a leap year?

• To correct for the Earth's rotation slowing down.

• To celebrate a historical event that happens every four years.

• To make sure each month has an equal number of days.

• To adjust for the extra 5 hours, 48 minutes, and 56 seconds it takes the Earth to orbit the Sun.

Why aren't leap years always every four years?

• Because it's based on the lunar calendar.

• To adjust for the extra 44 minutes over four years.

• To align with the Gregorian calendar reform.

• Because the Earth's orbit changes slightly each year.

What rule is used to determine if a year is a leap year?

• If the year is divisible by 100 and divisible by 400, then it is not a leap year.

• If the year is divisible by 100 and not divisible by 400, then it is a leap year.

• If the year is divisible by 4, then it is a leap year.

• If the year is divisible by 100, then it is a leap year.

Why is it called 'leap year'?

• Because the year jumps ahead by two days instead of one.

• Because it leaps over a day in the week for your birthday.

• Because it was named after the Leapfrog game.

• Because February jumps to 29 days.

What happens if you are born on February 29?

• You legally do not age until the next leap year.

• You celebrate your birthday on March 1 in common years.

• You celebrate your birthday on February 28 in common years.

• You only celebrate your birthday every four years.

How long is a common year?

• 365 days

• 364 days

• 365.25 days

• 366 days

What would happen if we didn't account for the extra time in a year?

• The seasons would begin to drift over time.

• The Earth would orbit the Sun faster.

• The months would have different names.

• We would have more leap years.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1