S3.12.4 For the adult
Tilt and the seasons
Why is it hot for part of the year and cold for another part? Is the Earth nearer the Sun in summer?
What this chapter teaches
The Earth's axis is tilted about 23.4 degrees and points the same way all year. The half tipped towards the Sun has summer, because the Sun is higher, its light is spread less and the days are longer. The distance to the Sun hardly changes.
Three questions to ask
There is no one right wording. Listen for the idea.
- What happens in the southern half of the Earth when the northern half has summer?
- Why is a high Sun better at warming than a low Sun?
- How could you show a friend that distance is not the cause of the seasons?
After the chapter, the learner can
- Explain seasons using the tilt of the Earth's axis
- Model seasons with a tilted ball going round a lamp
What they copy into their notebook
The Earth's axis is tilted about 23.4° and points the same way all year. The half tipped towards the Sun has summer. The other half has winter.