Seasons
Supporting
TEKS Objective
The student is expected to collect and analyze data to identify sequences and predict patterns of change in shadows, tides, seasons, and the observable appearance of the Moon over time.
Essential Understanding
The student knows that there are recognizable patterns in the natural world and among objects in the sky.
Science Background
23.5 Degrees: BioEd Online (video) - Explains the seasonal patterns caused by the motion of Earth around the Sun.
23.5 Degrees
BioEd Online, www.bioedonline.org
Earth’s Tilt is the Reason for the Seasons: Windows to the Universe (website) - A brief illustrated explanation of why Earth has seasons.
Earth’s Tilt is the Reason for the Seasons
Windows to the Universe, www.windows2universe.org
The Seasons and Earth’s Orbit, Milankovitch Cycles: US Naval Observatory (website) - Describes subtle changes in Earth’s seasons that result from long-term cycles and slight changes in Earth’s orientation.
The Seasons and Earth’s Orbit, Milankovitch Cycles
US Naval Observatory, aa.usno.navy.mil
Signature Lesson
Reason for the Seasons: BioEd Online (PDF) - Students track the Sun’s diurnal path to learn how the daily duration of light (day) and dark (night) periods at different times of year, along with sun angle changes, define Earth’s seasons.
- Supporting Lessons
- Extensions
- Assessment Ideas
- Literature Connections
- Related
TEKS - Additional Resources
Supporting Lessons
Modeling the Seasons: Exploratorium (website) - Students construct a small model of Earth and explore how its axial tilt creates seasons.
Elaboration Lessons and Extensions
The Sun and Earth: National Geographic Xpeditions (website) - Students examine the relationship between Earth and the Sun, and how this relationship affects the seasons.
The Sun and Earth
National Geographic Xpeditions, www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions
Assessment Ideas
Have students explain and compare seasons in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
Literature Connections
Seasons and Patterns. Hopkins J. (ISBN: 978-0756941833)
Earth Cycles, Seasons. Morgan M. (ISBN: 978-1599205267)
Additional Resources
Earth’s Seasons… Equinoxes, Solstices, Perihelion, and Aphelion, 2000-2020: US Naval Observatory (website) - This table provides the dates for the start of each season through the year 2020.
TEKS Navigation
Grade 4
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