The Real Reasons for Seasons: Sun-Earth Connection: Grades 6-8

This GEMS guide is aimed at helping students arrive at a clear understanding of seasons as they investigate the connections between the Sun and Earth. Along the way, students take a "Trip to the Sun," determine the real shape of the Earth's orbit, evaluate actual data on world temperature and hours of sunlight in different locations, and model how the angle at which sunlight hits the Earth affects its concentration. Throughout these engaging activities, students gain important standards-based science and mathematics content and develop abilities essential in scientific investigation. A CD-ROM, included with this guide, offers a rich collection of helpful resources, software programs, and web links. This guide was developed in partnership with the NASA Office of Space Science Sun-Earth Connection Education Forum (SECEF). For further astronomical teaching opportunities, see the GEMS guides Earth, Moon, and Stars, Moons of Jupiter, Living with a Star, Invisible Universe, and Messages from Space.