Modeling Seasons (6th Grade)

Earth experiences predictable seasonal changes throughout the year as it revolves around the Sun. These changes are caused by Earth’s tilted axis, which affects the angle and intensity of sunlight received in different hemispheres. In this project, you will investigate how Earth’s tilt and revolution around the Sun create seasons, model the position of Earth during each season, and use evidence from your model to explain seasonal patterns on Earth.

Standards Aligned:

Texas TEKS (New Standards):

• 6.9A – Model and illustrate how the tilted Earth rotates on its axis, causing day and night, and revolves around the Sun causing changes in seasons

NGSS (Middle School Earth & Space Science):

• MS-ESS1-1 – Develop and use a model of the Earth-sun-moon system to describe the cyclic patterns of seasons, lunar phases, and eclipses of the sun and moon

Teacher Key Included