Introduction
ENGAGEMENT
Do you know what causes the seasons on planet Earth to change? Do you know what causes day and night on planet Earth?
You are a scientist and your role is to find the answer to these questions.
Task
In this webquest you are going to:
- Explain how some events in nature occur in a pattern or cycle, such as the seasons and day and night;
- Recognize that the relationships that exist between and among the Earth and sun result in day and night and seasonal changes;
- Model and describe how Earth's rotation causes day and night;
- Model and describe how the sun's rays striking Earth at various angles cause seasons.
Process
EXPLORATION
You will be assigned to a team of 5 students. Each of the teams is going to choose one of the subtopics below. Then, in teams, you will present your findings to the class.
- Team one, you will explain and diagram how the Earth's rotation on its axis causes day and night. You will follow the following links to do your research:
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/5-8/features/what-is-earth-58.html
http://www.astronomy.com/en/News-Observing/Astronomy%20Kids/2008/03/Earth.aspx
- Team two, you will explain and diagram how the Earth's revolution around the sun causes the seasons. You will follow the following links to do your research:
http://www.crh.noaa.gov/fsd/?n=season
- Team three, you will model and describe how the rotation of earth on its axis causes day and night. You will follow the following links to do you reasearch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuiQvPLWziQ
- Team four, you will model and describe how the revolution of the earth around the sun causes the seasons. Your will follow the following links to do your research:
http://www.physicalgeography.net/fundamentals/6h.html
EXPLANATION
- Team one, you will draw a diagram in poster showing how the earth's rotation on it's axis causes day and night. Team one you will also answer the following questions explaining your findings:
1. Define rotation.
2. What does the Earth do during rotation?
3. How long does one complete rotation take?
4. What is one effect of the Earth's rotation?
- Team two, you will draw a diagram in poster showing how earth's revolution around the sun causes the seasons on Earth. Team two you will also answer the following questions explaining your findings:
1. Define revolution.
2. What does the Earth do during it's revolution?
3. How long does one complete revolution take?
4. What is one effect of the Earth's revolution?
- Team three, you will model and describe how the Earth's rotation on its axis causes day and night. You will use the following equipment to do your demonstration:
a. Globe of Earth
b. Clear 100-watt light bulb
c. Lamp
d. Room that can be darkened
- sees daytime and nighttime
2. Describe what Earth would be like if there was no sun.
- Team four, you will model and describe how the Earth's revolution on its axis cause the seasons on Earth. You will use the following equipment to do your demonstration:
a. Globe of Earth
b. Clear 100-watt light bulb
c. Lamp
d. Room that can be darkened
ELABORATION
All groups will follow the following link and write one page paper explaining your answer to the following question. Could the melting of ice at the poles affect the tilt and rotation of the Earth?
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/18/science/does-melting-polar-ice-affect-earths-tilt-and-spin.html
EVALUATION (summative)
All students will answer the following questions in the handout provided.
1. In the space below, draw and describe what causes daytime and nighttime.
2. Describe what Earth would be like if there was no sun.
Evaluation
You will be graded as a group. You will be graded on your comprehension level of your findings. You will be graded using a rubric. The total possible points is sixteen.
Evaluation Rubric
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Vague/Incorrect- 1 point |
Unclear/Somewhat Accurate- 2 points |
Correct/Accurate- 3 points |
Very Clear/Accurate/Detailed- 4 points |
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Explain and Diagram Earth’s Rotation-Group 1 |
Group answered questions of rotation vaguely-Group drawing of rotation is incorrect. |
Group answered the questions somewhat accurate. Group drawing of rotation is somewhat accurate. |
Group answered the questions correct. Group drawing of rotation is accurate. |
Group answered the questions in detail. Group drawing of rotation is detailed and accurate. |
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Explain and Diagram Earth’s Revolution-Group 2 |
Group answers to questions of revolution are vague. Group drawing of revolution is correct. |
Group answered questions of revolution somewhat accurately. Group drawing of revolution is somewhat accurate. |
Group answered questions of revolution correct. Group drawing of revolution is accurate. |
Group answered questions of revolution in a very clear manner. Group drawing of revolution is very clear and detailed. |
|
Model and Describe Earth’s Rotation-Group 3 |
Group demonstration of Earth’s rotation is vague. Group description of Earth’s rotation is incorrect. |
Group demonstration of Earth’s rotation is unclear. Group description of Earth’s rotation is somewhat accurate. |
Group demonstration of Earth’s rotation is correct. Group description of Earth’s rotation is accurate. |
Group demonstration of Earth’s rotation is very clear. Group’s description of Earth’s rotation is detailed. |
|
Model and Describe Earth’s Revolution-Group 4 |
Group demonstration of Earth’s revolution is vague. Group’s description of Earth’s revolution is incorrect. |
Group demonstration of Earth’s revolution is unclear. Group’s description of Earth’s revolution is somewhat accurate. |
Group demonstration of Earth’s revolution is correct. Group’s description of Earth’s revolution is accurate. |
Group demonstration of Earth’s revolution is very clear. Group’s description of Earth’s revolution is detailed. |
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Conclusion
In conclusion you have learned that the Earth rotates on its axis, causing day and night. You also learned that the Earth revolves around the Sun causing changes in seasons. You also learned where the measurements of time for days, seasons, and years come from.
Teacher Page
Introduction
The lesson was developed so the student can know where the measurements of time for days, seasons, and years come from. The lesson also develops an understanding as to why the earth's seasons happen over and over again with consistency. The lesson also explains how where you live on earth change how you experience earth's seasons.
Background/Time Management
Prior knowledge of cyclical movements of Earth and Sun.
The lesson is organized into 3 classes and 3 days. It is an interdisciplinary lesson.
Explanation
In this part of the lesson cycle the student should record their findings. The student then creates project to explain their findings. They may use PowerPoint, Poster, Flowchart, Concept Map, etc.
Materials and Resources
Internet access, Diagram of Earth's Rotation and Revolution, Globe of the Earth, Clear 100-watt light bulb, Lamp, Room that can be darkened.
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/5-8/features/what-is-earth-58.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuiQvPLWziQ
http://www.crh.noaa.gov/fsd/?n=season
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/18/science/does-melting-polar-ice-affect-earths-tilt-and-spin.html
http://www.physicalgeography.net/fundamentals/6h.html
Overall Evaluation
The student will know how to model and illustrate how the tilted Earth rotates on its axis, causing day and night, and revolves around the Sun causing changes in seasons at a comprehension level of 100%.