A WebQuest Created by:
Lon L. Eilders, II
Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Teachers | Credits/References
Did you know that the calendar we use today is not the same as has been used in the past? Also, did you know that our current calendar is connected to the origin of the seasons?
Research the origin of the seasons and calendars.
Use the following websites to answer the questions on the worksheet:
Click below to download worksheet:
Calendar and Seasons Worksheet (Word Document)
Calendar and Seasons Worksheet (PDF File)
Students will be evaluated on the answers they provide on the worksheet. Each question is worth five points. The extra credit is worth ten points.
Did you have any of the misconceptions outlined in the websites? Hopefully now you understand the origin of the seasons.
Grade Band: 6th Grade Science
Tennessee State Standards: 6th Grade Science
6.7.3 Describe the positional relationships among the earth, moon, and sun
Purpose: To encourage students to learn about the origins of seasons and the different calendars through the exciting use of the Internet. To encourage the presentation of data through a worksheet and illustration.
Preceding and Ensuing Events of Instruction: The teacher should first show the IMAX movie Seasons (55 minutes) which is available through slingshot. This should prompt student interest in the topics covered in this WebQuest. Ordering information at www.slingshotdvd.com
This WebQuest can prompt future interest of students in the field of astronomy.
Learning Improvements: Students will be allowed to do independent research which should lead to a move away from extrinsic rewards to greater intrinsic rewards. Learning will be reinforced when the students assemble and evaluate the research they have done.
Improvements and Expansions: This WebQuest can be expanded by investigating further the effects of the oceans on climate and seasons or the procession of the Earth's axis over a 26,000 year period of time and what this means for the seasons.
The Science Museum of Minnesota. (2003). Seasons [DVD] Burbank, CA: Slingshot DVD Corp.
Stern, D. P. (2001). Seasons of the year. Retrieved July 3, 2003, from http://pwg.gsfc.nasa.gov/stargaze/Sseason.htm
University of Tennessee, Knoxville (n.d.). Calendars. Retrieved July 3, 2003, from http://csep10.phys.utk.edu/astr161/lect/time/calendars.html
University of Tennessee, Knoxville (n.d.). The seasons. Retrieved July 3, 2003, from http://csep10.phys.utk.edu/astr161/lect/time/seasons.html