Weber State University
The Sun and the Seasons
Why is there more daylight in June than in December if you live above the equator? How does the angle of sunlight shift throughout the year? Answer these questions and more with an interactive article about the sun, its path through the...
Space Awareness
Climate Zones
The climate at the equator is hotter than the climate at the poles, but why? The lesson goes in depth, explaining how the angles of illumination relate to the heating rate at different latitudes and seasons. Scholars use a strong lamp,...
Curated OER
Weather and Climate
It's hot today, but is that the weather or the climate? This colorful presentation isolates both concepts to allow for better understanding by covering the positioning of the planet, making comparisons of land versus water, and looking...
Curated OER
The Solstices
Compare surface temperatures when the solstice occurs in the different hemispheres. Young scientists draw conclusions from their investigation of data collected using spreadsheets and a globe.
Curated OER
Bill Nye Video: Earth's Seasons
In this earth's seasons activity, students answer fill in the blank questions after seeing Bill Nye's video. Topics include the rotation of the earth around the sun, the tilt of the earth, the time zones and sunlight.
Curated OER
Exploring Seasonal Shadows and Sunlight
What can shadows tell us about the changing season? Over several months, astronomy learners record length and position of an outdoor object's shadow, such as a flagpole. They apply the data to a growing hypothesis and note the patterns...
Curated OER
Apparent Motion of the Sun
Demonstrate the path of the sun across the sky at different times of the year with an engaging science lesson. Learners use a series of questions and diagrams to examine the movement of the sun and appearance of the sky around their...
Curated OER
The Sun's Path
Starting with questions about the tilt of the Earth and apparent motion of the sun, a instructional activity provides instructions on how to figure the paths of the Sun on certain dates. Learners answer three more questions, complete...
Curated OER
Motions and Their Effects
With a simple blackboard-style appearance, these slides list facts about the reason for the seasons, solstices, and equinoxes. It also touches on Kepler's first law of planetary motion. There are no pictures or graphics to help explain...
Curated OER
Suns Path and Seasons
Using a plastic dome to represent the hemisphere of the sky, your class is able to demonstrate the path of the sun at different points of the day and year. They use a protractor to record movement and answer questions about elapsed...
Curated OER
Student Exploration: Summer and Winter
For this recognizing the seasons online/interactive worksheet, students explore the Earth's positions and determine the summer and winter season. Students answer 21 short answer questions
Curated OER
The Earth is Flat
Third graders experiment to gain understanding of the shape and rotation of the Earth. In this Sun and Moon science lesson, 3rd graders understand that the Earth rotates on its axis and how that explains the appearance of the moon and sun.
Curated OER
Winter and Summer Storms Scenarios
Fourth graders discover the patterns that create summer and winter storms. Working in groups, they create model storms for summer and winter. Students discuss the reasons why summer storms and winter storms are different and explain...
Curated OER
A New Slant On The Seasons
Students identify how the tilt and position of the Earth causes the seasons. After a discussion of the seasons and when they begin. Using themselves as the objects in the universe, they role play how the rotational movement of the...
Curated OER
Celebrate Winter!
Students understand, and participate in, both the historical and scientific aspects of this year's celebrations by introducing them to a selection of activities.
Curated OER
Eratosthenes
Students examine what Eratosthenes is and the history behind him. In this earth lesson students complete a hands on activity to repeat Eratosthenes' experiment.
Curated OER
Solstice and Equinox Quiz
In this solstice and equinox quiz worksheet, students complete an on-line quiz, clicking on questions and matching answers, scoring 1 point for each correct answer. A printed version is available.
Curated OER
Seeing Solar Processes
In this seasons activity, students compare 24 hour filmstrips for a single day in Canada, the U.S.A., and the Arctic Circle to determine the different seasons. This activity has 12 fill in the blank.
Curated OER
Determining Hours of Daylight
In this daylight hours activity, students will study illustrations showing the length of day at every 10-degrees of latitude for the winter and summer solstices. Students will complete 4 short answer questions based on the illustrations.
Curated OER
Solstice and Equinox
Students identify the dates of the solstices and equinoxes and how they relate to the various seasons on Earth. After discussing how the solstice and equinox affect the seasons, students use their bodies to demonstrate the how each...
Curated OER
The History of Christmas Trees, Part One
Students read an article about Winter Solstice celebrations. They consider the symbolism of evergreens in winter and how different cultures have used evergreens in winter celebrations throughout history.