Unit 2 - Seasons

In Australia, which day falls closest to January 1?

• The vernal (spring) equinox

• The autumnal (fall) equinox

• The summer solstice

• The winter solstice

Why is summer warmer than winter?

• The hemisphere experiencing summer is tilted more directly toward the sun.

• During summer, the entire planet is closer to the sun.

• The sun radiates more energy during summer.

• Earth spins slower on its axis during summer.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

On June 21, which area is experiencing the longest day?

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Unlike the north and south poles, where the length of each day changes drastically throughout the year, the length of each day at the equator is​ ​ (a)  

• short
• long
• variable (always changing)
• consistent (staying the same)

What happens after the vernal (spring) equinox?

• The days get longer

• The days get shorter

• The days stay the same length

• The Earth moves closer to the sun

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Match each date with the corresponding event in the Northern hemisphere.

• September 21

• Winter solstice

• December 21

• Summer solstice

• June 21

• Vernal (spring) equinox

• March 21

• Autumnal (fall) equinox

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Group the labels according to the type of event they describe.

Groups:

(a) Solstice

,

(b) Both

,

(c) Equinox

• Sun's path "stands still"

• Hottest or coldest average temperatures

• Mildest average temperatures

• Occurs twice a year

• 12 hours of daylight

• Marks change of season

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Place the locations in order from least to most daylight hours on January 1.

• South Pole

• North Pole

• Australia

• Mexico

• Alaska

Which of the following causes the seasons to change?

• Earth's distance from the sun

• The warming and cooling of Earth's core

• Earth's tilt in relation to the sun

• Earth's rotation on its axis

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

When people in the Northern hemisphere are experiencing spring, people in the Southern hemisphere are experiencing ​​ (a)   .

• autumn
• spring
• summer
• winter
• all four seasons
• no seasons

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6