Begin the lesson by introducing the concept of Earth's orbit and how it takes 365 days to complete a revolution around the Sun. Use a globe and a lamp to visually demonstrate Earth's orbit and axial tilt.
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Earth’s Orbit and Seasons
Learning Objectives
- Understand that Earth orbits the Sun in a path called a revolution, taking 365 days to complete.
- Recognize that Earth is divided into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
- Explain how Earth's tilt affects the amount of sunlight received by each hemisphere, leading to different seasons.
- Identify that when it is summer in one hemisphere, it is winter in the other due to Earth's tilt.
- Illustrate how Earth's orbit and axial tilt result in changing seasons throughout the year.
Introduction and Hook
Direct Instruction
Explain the division of Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres and how Earth's tilt affects sunlight distribution, leading to different seasons.
Use the video 'Movements of the Earth – Quiz Edition' to illustrate Earth's rotation, revolution, and axial tilt. This video provides engaging demonstrations to enhance understanding.
Guided Exploration
Engage students with the video 'How Much Do You Know About the Alternation of Day and Night?' to explore Earth's rotation and the resulting day-night cycle.
Discuss how Earth's tilt and orbit result in changing seasons, using diagrams and models to reinforce the concept.
Hands-On Activity
Conduct the 'Modeling the Movement of Earth' activity where students use a basketball and flashlight to simulate Earth's rotation and revolution.
Independent Practice
Assign the 'Moon Observations' worksheet where students track the moon's phases over 28 days, enhancing their understanding of lunar cycles.
Check for Understanding
Facilitate a class discussion to review key concepts about Earth's orbit, axial tilt, and the resulting seasons. Encourage students to ask questions and share their observations.
Review and Reflection
Use the 'Review – Earth and Space' assessment to reinforce learning and assess students' understanding of Earth and space science concepts.
Assessment and Extension
Conclude the lesson with the 'Our Very Own Star' assessment, which focuses on key concepts about stars and the solar system, to extend students' understanding.
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