The Earth and Sun relationship (pm)

In science, we have been investigating how the rotation of the Earth leads to the formation of days and nights. We have also been investigating how the orbit of the Earth around the Sun (and the tilt of the Earth) determine our year and the seasons we experience. On Friday, students became the "Earth". We marked the location of North America (chest), South America (belly), Asia (upper back), and Australia (lower back). Then we tilted towards Polaris (23.5 degrees!) and rotated and revolved. We may have looked ridiculous doing this activity but it was a great way to have students experience why the seasons form. 

Check out this applet to view more info on the formation of the seasons.

Following our activity, the students were to come up with questions. I told the students that these questions would make up their test (after March break). Here is a list of their questions:

Day and Night

·         How does the Sun’s position in the sky change as the day goes on?

·         Where in the sky is the Sun in the morning?

·         Where in the sky is the Sun in the evening?

·         How long does it take for Earth to rotate on its axis?

·         How is this measured?

·         At what time on the clock does a new day begin?

·         What is the middle of the day called?

·         Where is the Sun in sky at noon?

·         At what time on the clock does the day end?

Seasons and Years

·        What angle is the earth tilted?

·        How long does it take for the Earth to orbit the Sun?

·        How many times has the Earth rotated in five years?

·        Are the seasons the same in the northern and southern hemisphere? Explain.

·        Why is it warm in the summer and cold in the winter?

·        Why doesn't Florida have four distinct seasons like we do in Ottawa?

Great Questions that will NOT be on our test but students are encouraged to explore!

·        Why does the earth rotate counter clockwise?

·        Why does earth always point towards Polaris?

·        Is the tilt important (what if it was only 20 degrees)?