Unit: Seasons & Eclipses Lesson 9: Other Planets 5 Es: Elaborate

Aim: By the end of this lesson students will understand that:

The seasons differ in duration and intensity on other planets
Orbit length and axis tilt effect the duration and intensity of the seasons.

Engage Beginning:
5 minutes Greetings/introduction
'We're all used to the seasons on earth, but did you know that the seasons
are different on other planets?'
'Think, Pair, Share'
Pose question: 'If you lived on a different planet, what would you like the
seasons to be like?'

Explore
7minutes Show video: 'What are seasons like on other planets?' (4 mins).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrHG3jgSFCA
What do you think makes the seasons different on the other planets?
Brainstorm answers together as a class.

Middle:
'In this lesson we are going to find out what it is that makes the seasons
Explain different on other planets.'
10-15 mins Separate students into 3 groups and assign each student in the group a
planet (excluding Earth and Uranus) to research
Groups must determine the orbit length, axis tilt, how many days in the
years, and three other interesting facts (decided by the group as a whole)
about their planet.
Allow time to start up computers
Display chart on the board to remind students of research topics

Planet: Days in one year Orbit length (days) Axis tilt (degrees) .. .. ..

Mars

Elaborate Individuals will write a few sentences explaining how they think their
7-10 mins planet's seasons would be different from earth's.
Groups come together and share about their planet.
List the following as guiding discussion points:
1. orbit around the sun
2. tilt of the planet and how this relates to the intensity of sunlight hitting
the planet
3. length and description of winter and summer
4. why seasons on the chosen planet and Earth change in predictable
patterns
Groups compare hypothesese to generalise how different factors
(particularly orbit and axis tilt) effect the seasons.
Groups to document their findings in any way they wish on butcher's paper.
 End:
Evaluate Regain attention
5mins Ask each group: Can you summarise your findings and tell us what you
thought learned about seasons on different planets?
Clearly explain the effects of:
Orbit: The longer the orbit, the longer each season will last for
Axis Tilt: The more tilted the axis, the greater the angle of the light, hence
light intensity, and intensity of seasons., length of days, etc.

Differentiation Students in the gifted program will research Uranus in addition to their selected
planet. They must explain how having a non-tilted axis effects the seasons on
Uranus.

Resources Individuals will need, or need to have access to computers in order to explore and
research their planets.
Butchers paper and coloured textas for documentation