Name                                                                     Date

Mrs. Luna                                                              period

Lab # 6                                                                 Date Due_________

                                   Earth's Revolution                                                                  

Introduction:  At the present technological level of space exploration, people have actually observed Earth’s rotation on its axis from space.  However, no person has been able to observe the actual revolution of Earth around the sun.

          The concept of Earth’s revolution around the sun has been inferred from observations of the apparent motion of the celestial bodies we see from Earth.

Objective:  You will learn why the seasons, constellations seen at night, and the length of daylight change throughout the year.

Materials:

·        Pen

·        Pencil

·        Seasonal Sky Maps

Define the following words.

Rotation: _________________________________________________________________

Revolution: _______________________________________________________________

Constellation:____________________________________________________________

Orbit: __________________________________________________________________

Solstice:_________________________________________________________________

Equinox: ________________________________________________________________

Procedure A:

1. We will be using a class demo of the Earth’s Revolution of the Sun.  In the area provided below, copy the model.  Make sure you label the following on your diagram.

·        Note: You may want to refer back to your notes.

 Procedure 2:  Fill out the Chart below.

Discussion Questions: Answer in complete sentences.

1. Why are the seasons reversed in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere?

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2. Why are the lengths of day and night equal everywhere on Earth at the equinoxes?

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3. What causes the changes in the length of the day and night during the year at a given location on Earth?

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4. There are different constellations visible at night during the year.  How can you use this fact as evidence of the Earth’s Revolution?

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. In the area below, draw an example of what the season of summer looks like from space using the circle below.

   Make sure you include the following:

   1. The direction of the Earth’s Axis
   2. The direction of Earth’s Rotation
   3. Shade in the appropriate areas below that would indicate summer
   4. Indicate where the Sun’s direct rays would be hitting the Earth

          Conclusion:

What natural Events can we observe that result from the Earth’s revolution?

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