Unit 2, Lesson 5 Portfolio Alternative Project:

Reasons for the Seasons WebQuest/Poster

You've Been Hired!!!

An educational publishing company has hired YOU to produce posters for middle
school science classrooms. Your first poster is to be one that shows the causes of
seasons on Earth. Since many students have wrong ideas (misconceptions) about
what causes seasons it is very important that your poster be very accurate. Your
poster will answer the question "What causes the seasons?".

STEP 1: RESEARCH (Keep):

Before you can start your poster, you must do some research on student ideas as
well as the science behind the seasons.
PART 1: MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT THE SEASONS
A misconception is an incorrect idea about something. Research the websites
provided below to view common misconceptions students may have about the
seasons.

List at least 1 misconception about seasons from each website:

Phil Plaits Bad Astronomy - Misconceptions (read question & answer)

Seasons Misconceptions (read Seasons Misconceptions paragraph)

Common Misconceptions

Some Common Misconceptions

The Seasons

Misconceptions (complete sentences)

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
PART 2: TILT OF THE EARTH
How does the Earth's tilt affect the seasons? Research the websites below.
Include the following on all 4 drawings: Earth, its tilt, the sun, name of the
season.

Earth's Tilt Is the Reason for the Seasons!

Earths Revolution and Sun Angle
Earths Tilt and the Seasons
What Causes the Seasons?
Seasons and the Tilt

Seasons and the Tilt Interactive

Why is the Earth Tilted? (podcast)

STEP 2: CREATE THE SEASONS POSTER (Submit):

Now you are ready to make your poster!! The Earth is at four different points in its
orbit around the Sun when we have each season. Where is the Earth when it is
summer (or winter, fall, and spring)? Does the Earth tilt towards or away from the
Sun? Draw a picture of the Earth revolving around the Sun throughout the year. Show
the Earth at its location during winter, spring, summer, and fall/autumn. There are
additional websites below to continue your research. Your paycheck (grade) will
depend on how many accurate items are included in your poster.
Earths Appearance Different Times During the Year
Seasons Interactive
Seasons Interactive II
Observe Seasonal Changes

You must include the following elements on your poster:

Title of poster
Neatness & color
Sun
Earth in four different locations
Labels for winter, spring, summer, and fall
Tilt
Color in day and night on all four(4) Earths on your poster
Short paragraph explaining the reason for the seasons

Poster Requirements:
1. Use the information from your Webquest research and lessons for the elements listed
above.
2. Can be created using electronic resources (Powerpoint 1 slide only not an entire
presentation, Publisher, Word, etc.) or by hand (paper thats easy to scan and save is
recommended). If you create a poster thats too large to scan, you can take pictures
and upload those must be able to see all of the details/requirements in order to be
graded.
3. Use the grading rubric and portfolio recording (Unit 2 Resources Class Message
Board) for specifics and details related to what must be included and how to submit
this project for grading.