Mississippi Science E.7.9C

E.7.9C is a cluster heading. These are the individual standards under it.

• E.7.9C.1

  Construct models and diagrams to illustrate how the tilt of Earth's axis results in differences in intensity of sunlight on the Earth's hemispheres throughout t...

• E.7.9C.2

  Investigate how variations of sunlight intensity experienced by each hemisphere (to include the equator and poles) create the four seasons.

01

What Students Need to Do

Students draw or build Earth at four points in its orbit, with its axis tilted the same way each time. They show how the angle of sunlight changes in each hemisphere. They compare what happens at the equator and the poles.

02

What Mastery Looks Like

A student keeps Earth's axis pointed in one direction on all four orbit diagrams. They explain why the hemisphere tilted toward the Sun gets more direct light and has summer. They describe smaller seasonal changes at the equator and larger ones at the poles.

03

Common Misconceptions

Some students think winter happens because Earth is farther from the Sun. Others turn Earth's axis toward the Sun at every orbit point or give both hemispheres the same season. Some expect the equator and poles to change in the same way.

04

How to Assess It

Exit ticket: Draw Earth at four points around the Sun, keeping its axis pointed the same way. Label each hemisphere's season and explain why sunlight changes less at the equator than at the poles.

1. 01

   Shine a flashlight on a tilted foam ball at four orbit points, keeping its toothpick axis aimed the same way, and compare light spots.

2. 02

   Write two sentences explaining why June brings summer to the Northern Hemisphere and winter to the Southern Hemisphere.

3. 03

   Sort four orbit diagrams into seasons for each hemisphere, then check each answer against the direction of Earth's tilt.

4. 04

   Look up local June and December daylight hours, then use a tilted-globe sketch to explain why they differ.

• E.5.8B

  Students will demonstrate an understanding of the principles that govern moon phases, day and night, appearance of objects in the sky, and seasonal changes.

• E.4.9B

  Students will demonstrate an understanding of weather and climate patterns.

• E.K.8B

  Students will demonstrate an understanding that the Sun provides the Earth with heat and light.

• E.K.8A

  Students will demonstrate an understanding of the pattern of seasonal changes on the Earth.