Integrate this concept into more advanced topics for older students.
The season simulator moves quickly. Pause it by clicking the pause icon in the top left-hand corner or slow the video playback speed for learners who need more processing time.
Climate Change Connections:
Use this to build students' understanding of how Earth's tilt and rotation contribute to long-term climactic change.
Classroom Implementation:
Before watching the video, classes could take a poll to see how many students believe the seasons depend on the Earth's proximity to the Sun.
Extensions
Use a flashlight and a ball to perform an experiment to measure the surface area of the circle of light when it is shining at the middle of the ball vs. when it is shining at the top-half or bottom-half of the ball.
Interdisciplinary Connections:
English Language Arts:
Discuss the root words and prefixes of the terms perihelion and aphelion.
Related Resources:
Other resources on this topic include this video that shows how the Earth's tilt causes the seasons, this lesson on the relationship between latitude and climate, and this article on how climate change is confusing plants and animals.
Scientist Notes
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Related Teaching Resources
All resources can be used for your educational purposes with proper attribution to the content provider.
