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
Typical age: 11–12 years
“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?”
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Needs first
- The solar system (age 11+)
Knowing the solar system's structure and Earth's orbital path provides context for understanding axial tilt and seasons
- Earth & Space VocabularyREQUIRED
Explaining seasons through axial tilt requires 'axis', 'tilt', 'orbit', 'solstice', and 'equinox' vocabulary
- Earth's rotation and day/nightREQUIRED
Explaining seasons via axial tilt builds on understanding Earth's rotation and the orbital geometry of Earth around the Sun
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