Exploring Reasons for the Seasons

Review evidence for the earth orbiting the sun (we see different stars at different times of year)

Model the earth moving around the sun (counter-clockwise)

Demo with globe and axis always pointing in same direction

Identify position for winter, spring, summer, fall

Model tilted earth moving around the sun (23 degrees)

Lean backwards with same orientation to door while walking around lamp; when leaning toward the lamp: summer; when leaning away from the lamp: winter. NOT summer when “closer to the sun” (Note Australia is having winter while we are having summer but earth is SAME distance from the sun; Australia is having summer while we have winter, but earth is SAME distance from the sun)

Effect of tilt toward sun during summer: sun rises earlier, sets later, sun higher in sky, rays more direct;

During winter, sun rises later, sets earlier, sun lower in the sky, rays at more of an angle, go through more of the atmosphere.

Also review effect of full moon: Sun E M lineup causes high tides