Seasons Aren't Dictated by Closeness to Sun
Videos
Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10Earth and Space Sciences
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Provided by Khan Academy
What it is
- This video explains that the Earth's elliptical orbit, which sometimes causes the Earth to be closer to the sun, has nothing to do with the seasons.
- This is the first video of a number of videos about the effects of Earth's rotation and tilt on the planet.
- A season simulator is also available that shows how the intensity and angle of sunlight varies at different latitudes and times of the year.
Teaching tips
Differentiation:
- 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:
From the scientist review
In this video, the myth that Earth's closeness to the Sun dictates the seasons is deconstructed and disproven. While proximity to the Sun does play a role, the true cause of Earth's seasons is its tilt. This resource is recommended for teaching,
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