Why is there more daylight in June than in December if you live above the equator? How does the angle of sunlight shift throughout the year? Answer these questions and more with an interactive article about the sun, its path through the sky, and its impact on Earth's seasons.

Concepts

the sun, the four seasons, the equinox, solstice, summer solstice, winter solstice

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Assign the link for independent reading before class, and have learners complete the two comprehension questions at home
• Use during March or September during the equinoxes or when preparing for the June or December solstices
• Connect to a math class for an interdisciplinary lesson that incorporates space science and geometric angles of sunlight

Classroom Considerations

• Requires access to the Internet as the resource does not have a printable version
• Part of a larger unit on introductory astronomy

Pros

• Very thorough resources with engaging information
• Provides helpful diagrams and comprehension questions embedded in the article
• Includes instructions for creating a pinhole projector to measure the sun

Cons

• None