Why We Have Seasons
Explain that the seasons are caused by the tilt of Earth's axis during its orbit around the Sun, distinguishing this from the common misconception that seasons are caused by changing distance from the Sun
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If your child was asked why the UK is hot in summer but Australia is cold at the same time, could they explain that it's not about being closer to the Sun but about which half of the Earth is tilted towards the Sun?
Explain that the seasons are caused by the tilt of Earth's axis during its orbit around the Sun, distinguishing this from the common misconception that seasons are caused by changing distance from the Sun
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Check understanding
- Explains that Earth's axis is tilted at about 23.5° relative to its orbit
- Describes how the tilted axis causes one hemisphere to receive more direct sunlight in summer and less in winter
- Refutes the misconception that distance from the Sun causes seasons by noting Earth is actually slightly closer to the Sun in January
“If your child was asked why the UK is hot in summer but Australia is cold at the same time, could they explain that it's not about being closer to the Sun but about which half of the Earth is tilted towards the Sun?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Conceptual
- Subject
- Science
- Domain
- Space Systems & Earth's History
- Age range
- Ages 11–12
Standards