The Real Reasons for
Seasons
Sun-Earth Connections
Grades 6—8
Written by Alan Gould, Carolyn
Willard,
and Stephen Pompea
The seasons come and then pass by
Can you explain the reasons why?
As it turns out, most people can't! Research shows that
understanding and explaining the causes of seasons can be challenging
for people of all ages.
A classic example: The video A Private Universe,
a production of Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics,
Science Education Department, Science Media Group,
includes interviews with Harvard graduates whose explanations
for the seasons are filled with mistaken assumptions!
Never fear--help is here! This GEMS guide is aimed at helping
students arrive at a clear understanding of seasons as they
investigate the connections between the Sun and Earth. Along
the way, students take a "Trip to the Sun," determine
the real shape of the Earth's orbit, evaluate actual data on
world temperature and hours of sunlight in different locations,
and model how the angle at which sunlight hits the Earth affects
its concentration.
Throughout these engaging activities,
students gain important standards-based science and mathematics
content and develop abilities essential in scientific investigation.
A CD-ROM, included with this guide, offers a rich collection
of helpful resources, software programs, and web links.
This guide was developed in partnership with the NASA Office
of Space Science Sun-Earth Connection Education Forum (SECEF).
For further astronomical teaching opportunities, see the GEMS
guides Earth, Moon, and Stars,
Moons of Jupiter, Living with a Star, Invisible Universe,
and Messages from Space.
Praise for The Real Reasons
for Seasons
"I am excited and eager to try this book with my own
students, both at the college level and during our summer resident
astronomy camps. This book should be on the shelf of every middle
school teacher, whether they teach science or not. What a find!"
—National Science Teachers Association Recommends
Comment on this GEMS unit.
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Literature Connections
Astronomy Education Review
on The Real Reasons for Seasons:
"This ... book is an excellent vehicle to aid students
in the process of exploring why Earth experiences different
seasons during the year. It is a great follow-up to another
GEMS book, Earth, Moon, and Stars…"
—Astronomy Education Review |
