Why Do We Have Seasons?

Build a model of the Earth and learn why daylight and seasons change

In this STEM activity, students will create their own model of the Earth and learn how light from the Sun changes through the year and creates seasons.

Basics

  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Ages: 8+
  • Price: $250
  • Materials: $1.50 / student
  • Materials Provided: styrofoam balls, sticks, string, paint, paintbrushes
  • Location: in-person in Montréal

Québec Curriculum Connections

Science and Technology

Earth and Space

D. Systems and interaction

  • 2. System involving the sun, the Earth and the moon
    • Associates the sun with the idea of a star, the Earth with the idea of a planet and the moon with the idea a natural satellite
  • 4. Seasons
    • a. Describes the changes to the environment throughout the seasons (temperature, amount of daylight, type of precipitation)
    • Explains the sensations experienced (hot, cold, comfortable) with regard to temperature measurements

Science and Technology

Earth and Space

C. Forces and motion

  • 1. Rotation of the Earth
    • a. Associates the cycle of day and night with the rotation of the Earth

Science and Technology

Earth and Space

D. Systems and interaction

  • 3. Solar system
    • a. Recognizes the main components of the solar system(sun, planets, natural satellites)
    • b. Describes the characteristics of the main components of the solar system (e.g. composition, size, orbit, temperature)
  • 4. Seasons

    • c. Associates the changing of the seasons with the revolution and tilt of the Earth

  • 6. Meteorological systems and climates
    • b. Associates the average amount of precipitation with the climate of a region(dry, humid)
    • c. Associates the average temperature with the climate of a region (polar, cold,  temperate, mild, hot)

What Your Class Will Learn

  • understand why we have seasonal vacation in temperature
  • how the Earth rotates on an axis
  • how light at an angle covers less area on a surface than head-on
  • the difference in amount of light we get throughout the year
  • what time the Sun rises and sets on their birthdays

Activity

Students will be asked what the temperature is like in summer vs winter. Why do they think there's such a big difference?

Using a flashlight, we'll demonstrate how light differs when it's head-on or at an angle.

Then, kids will paint a styrofoam ball the colours of Earth. Once dried, they'll add a little character on the North Pole, South Pole, and the Equator.

We'll finish the demonstrating by showing that the Earth is tilted at 23°. As Earth orbits the Sun, the characters at the poles will sometimes be in total darkness.

Book Now

Fill out the form below and let's get in touch! You'll receive an email confirmation, then I'll follow-up to confirm a date and anything special you'd like for your presentation.