Earth's Orbit Teacher Resources

Explains why Earth's closeness to the Sun does not dictate the seasons. [4:38]

Presents an informative answer to the question "What is the speed of the turning of the Earth?"

How can you tell when to go to bed when the sun never sets? This video discusses how a place on Earth can experience 24 hours of daylight due to the tilt of the Earth. Video very easy to follow. [5:58]

A look at the 'comfort zone' humans live in, and the interplay of life and the biosphere. [9:58]

Facts about the Earth including its orbit, its atmosphere, and its landforms. Includes a discussion question on seasons, with facts about them, and the answer. A linked page covers similar material in a "Level 2" version, and has a...

Help Sarah Jane and her team put the solar system's planets back in order. Following the activity, read more about the sun, the Earth, and its moon, and then take a quick quiz to check for understanding.

This unit of study explores the International Space Station through STEM experiences in space science education. Students become a spacecraft crew and launch from Earth to discover how microgravity affects the orbit of the International...

Are Southern Hemisphere seasons more severe because of the eccentricity in Earth's orbit? [7:17]

A professional development video exploring students misconception over the reason for Earth's season. This video addresses a way to help students understand how Earth's orbit contributes to the seasons. [11:56]

Review planets orbiting in the solar system using this study guide.

[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Orbital motion and why it occurs, and the orbits of the Earth around the sun and the moon around the Earth.

[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Looks at the size and shape of planet orbits.

This kinesthetic activity will demonstrate concepts like rotation and orbit, clarify movement and direction, and help students understand why earthlings see different things in the sky.

[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Examines the eight planets of our solar system and their orbits and rotation.

[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Examines the eight planets of our solar system, their orbits, and rotation.

[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] How objects in the solar system orbit around each other.

[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] How objects in the solar system orbit around each other.

Why do astronauts appear weightless despite being near the Earth? Sal Khan answers this question in this video. [7:11]

A slideshow exploring Earth's rotation and revolution around the sun. Learn that because of Earth's axis tilt we experience the seasons!

This site is astronomy for kids and teachers! Here students can learn about the planet Earth of the Solar System including fun facts, mass, day, year, and distance from the Sun.

Picture of the Earth with an astronaut flying around in orbit.

The Sun is the ultimate source of the energy that powers weather systems on Earth. Geomagnetic storms are sun-powered storms in the upper atmosphere, arising from energized particles that are periodically ejected by the Sun. Among other...

Students model the interaction of the earth and the sun. The activity is designed for the playground. You will need chalk, but all the other worksheets are provided.

This brief animation will help clarify how the tilt of Earth's axis causes the change of seasons. [0:34]