Seasons

Objective: To observe, simulate and manipulate different seasons and sun angles.

Procedure: Use the following links, sketch and answer the prompts on your page. Links are below.

Here is the order of the links you will need:

  1. for the entire front page
  2. Solar motion simulator
  3. Change Earth's Tilt---this section is for extra credit!!

This simulation has three views which illustrate our relationship with the Sun and our axial tilt, a stick figure who can move between different latitudes, and incoming solar rays with changing angles. Students can choose between the celestial sphere and the orbital view, and can drag the Earth (or sphere if in that mode) to different locations and observe how the “observer” view changes, as well as how the angles on incoming radiation are affected. Day and night are observed and the Earth level with incoming rays accordingly alternates between them.

Solar Motion Simulation

This simulation allows students to see the effects of differing latitudes on the lath of the sun, angle of insolation and to distinguish clearly between diurnal and seasonal motions of the sun. Time of year and relationship to seasonal solar position are explored through manipulation of the sphere. The sim models the motion of the sky through illustration of the horizon, demonstrating daily and seasonal changes in the sun's position.

When you are done, be sure to check out this site to change the tilt of Earth.

YouTube Video