Understanding Seasons and Temperature Variations

Kevin travels from the United States to Australia for the winter, but when he gets there it feels more like summer. Which statement explains this?

• The Northern Hemisphere is experiencing an equinox.

• The Southern Hemisphere is experiencing an equinox.

• The Southern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun, so it is summer in Australia.

• The Southern Hemisphere is tilted away from the sun, so it is summer in Australia.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

When it is winter, the United States receives the least direct solar energy, as compared with the rest of the year. Why does this happen?

• The Northern Hemisphere is closer to the sun.

• The Northern Hemisphere is farther from the sun.

• The Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun.

• The Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the sun.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

How do the temperatures at Earth’s equator compare with the temperatures at the poles during the year?

• The equator is generally cold.

• The poles are generally warm.

• There is less variation in temperature at the equator compared to the poles.

• The equator and poles have the same temperature variation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which of the following best describes why seasons occur on Earth?

• The Earth is closer to the sun in summer and farther in winter.

• The tilt of Earth's axis causes different parts of Earth to receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year.

• The Earth rotates faster in summer and slower in winter.

• The Earth's orbit is a perfect circle, causing consistent seasons.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What is the primary reason for the difference in climate between the equator and the poles?

• The equator receives more direct sunlight than the poles.

• The poles receive more direct sunlight than the equator.

• The equator is farther from the sun than the poles.

• The poles are closer to the sun than the equator.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

During which month does the Southern Hemisphere experience the most daylight hours?

• June

• September

• December

• March

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Why does the Northern Hemisphere experience summer in June, July, and August?

• The Northern Hemisphere is closer to the sun during these months.

• The Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun during these months.

• The Earth rotates faster during these months.

• The sun is larger during these months.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What happens during an equinox?

• The sun is directly over the North Pole.

• The sun is directly over the South Pole.

• Day and night are of approximately equal length everywhere on Earth.

• The Earth is closest to the sun.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What is the main reason that the equator is warmer than the poles?

• The equator is closer to the sun.

• The equator receives sunlight at a more direct angle.

• The equator has more landmass.

• The equator has more ocean currents.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which position is the Northern Hemisphere experiencing Winter?

• A
• B
• C
• D

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6