Activity Overview
Many people incorrectly believe that the reason the average temperatures are colder during the winters and warmer during the summer is due to the changing distance between the Earth and the Sun. This simply is not true. In fact, the surface of the Earth in the Northern Hemisphere is closer to the Sun during winter than summer because of Earth's elliptical orbit. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that explains why we have seasons.
The Earth rotates about an axis, or imaginary line that runs through the center of the Earth. The Earth’s axis is not perfectly straight up and down; it is about 23.5° off the vertical. This means the South and North Pole face towards and away from the Sun as Earth makes its way around the Sun during the year. During summer months, the Sun’s rays hit the hemisphere more directly, so the rays are spread over a smaller area. During winter months, the opposite happens, and the rays from the Sun are less concentrated.
After completing this activity, there's a great opportunity for students to evaluate their models. Lead students through pointing out the strengths and limitations of the models by giving them an opportunity to make suggestions for improvements.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Make a storyboard to explain what causes seasons on Earth. Use a series of scenes, props, labels, and shapes to create a model to explain the existence of seasons. Explain summer and winter in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Create a diagram with Earth and the Sun.
- Use arrows, lines, and shapes to show how sunlight reaches Earth.
- Explain what causes summer and winter in the description box.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 16 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visualization | The storyboard clearly illustrates a model that explains seasons on Earth. | The storyboard illustrates a model that explains seasons on Earth, but is difficult to understand. | The storyboard cell does not clearly illustrate a model that explains seasons on Earth. |
| Description | The description clearly and correctly explains summer and winter in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. | The description attempts to explain summer and winter in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, but explanation is unclear. | The description does not correctly explain summer and winter in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
Activity Overview
Many people incorrectly believe that the reason the average temperatures are colder during the winters and warmer during the summer is due to the changing distance between the Earth and the Sun. This simply is not true. In fact, the surface of the Earth in the Northern Hemisphere is closer to the Sun during winter than summer because of Earth's elliptical orbit. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that explains why we have seasons.
The Earth rotates about an axis, or imaginary line that runs through the center of the Earth. The Earth’s axis is not perfectly straight up and down; it is about 23.5° off the vertical. This means the South and North Pole face towards and away from the Sun as Earth makes its way around the Sun during the year. During summer months, the Sun’s rays hit the hemisphere more directly, so the rays are spread over a smaller area. During winter months, the opposite happens, and the rays from the Sun are less concentrated.
After completing this activity, there's a great opportunity for students to evaluate their models. Lead students through pointing out the strengths and limitations of the models by giving them an opportunity to make suggestions for improvements.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Make a storyboard to explain what causes seasons on Earth. Use a series of scenes, props, labels, and shapes to create a model to explain the existence of seasons. Explain summer and winter in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Create a diagram with Earth and the Sun.
- Use arrows, lines, and shapes to show how sunlight reaches Earth.
- Explain what causes summer and winter in the description box.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 16 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visualization | The storyboard clearly illustrates a model that explains seasons on Earth. | The storyboard illustrates a model that explains seasons on Earth, but is difficult to understand. | The storyboard cell does not clearly illustrate a model that explains seasons on Earth. |
| Description | The description clearly and correctly explains summer and winter in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. | The description attempts to explain summer and winter in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, but explanation is unclear. | The description does not correctly explain summer and winter in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
How Tos about Reason for the Seasons
Differentiate between common misconceptions and scientific facts about the seasons
Clarify what causes the seasons by addressing myths like the Earth-Sun distance, then reinforce the role of Earth's tilt. This helps students build a strong, accurate foundation for understanding.
Guide students to research seasonal patterns in various regions
Assign students to explore and present how seasons differ around the globe, using maps and data. This encourages geographic thinking and real-world connections.
Incorporate hands-on models for visual learning
Provide physical materials like globes, lamps, and stickers to let students demonstrate Earth's tilt and orbit. Visual, tactile activities make abstract concepts stick.
Facilitate group discussions to deepen understanding
Organize small groups to share storyboards and explain their reasoning. Peer conversations foster critical thinking and help students refine their ideas.
Assess understanding through quick exit tickets
Use exit tickets with targeted questions about seasons to check for misconceptions and gauge learning. Immediate feedback helps you plan next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions about Reason for the Seasons
What causes the different seasons on Earth?
Earth's seasons are caused by its tilted axis (about 23.5°) as it orbits the Sun. This tilt means that different parts of Earth receive more direct sunlight at different times of the year, resulting in changing seasons.
Is Earth's distance from the Sun the reason for summer and winter?
No, the distance between Earth and the Sun does not cause the seasons. Instead, the tilt of Earth's axis is responsible for changes in temperature and daylight during the year.
How does Earth's tilt affect sunlight during different seasons?
Because Earth's axis is tilted, sunlight hits each hemisphere more directly during its summer, leading to warmer temperatures, while in winter the sunlight is less direct and the days are shorter.
Why is it summer in the Northern Hemisphere when it is winter in the Southern Hemisphere?
When the North Pole is tilted toward the Sun, it is summer in the Northern Hemisphere and winter in the Southern Hemisphere, and the reverse happens six months later.
What is a simple way to teach students about the reason for seasons?
Create a storyboard or diagram showing Earth’s tilted axis and its orbit around the Sun, using arrows and labels to illustrate how sunlight changes throughout the year in both hemispheres.
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