7th Grade: Distance from the Sun

Students will gather data to find that Earth’s orbit is not perfectly round. Students will make the connection that Earth’s distance from the sun does not cause the seasons.

By Amplify Classroom

7th Grade

Science

Today’s Goals • Students will explore that Earth’s orbit is not perfectly round. • Students will explore that seasons are not caused by the distance between Earth and the sun. • Language Goal: Students will discuss their observations of the activity with their classmates to develop their claims. (Speaking and Listening) Duration • This Bite Sized Science Moment takes about 15–20 minutes and can be used in or outside of a Science block. It is designed to be flexibly implemented in your day! Standards • Next Generation Science Standards: SEP-2, SEP-4, CCC-1, CCC-4 See At a Glance for Materials and Prep Checklist.

A diagram showing Earth in two positions in orbit around the sun, the summer and the winter.
The Northern Hemisphere is shown in two positions in Earth's orbit around the sun, the summer and the winter.