Changing Seasons Worksheet

The changing seasons are caused by:

• the tilt of the Earth's axis as it orbits the Sun

• the distance between the Earth and the Sun

• the phases of the Moon

• the rotation of the Earth on its axis

According to the passage and diagram, what is the degree of the earth's tilt?

• 0°

• 15°

• 23.5°

• 45°

The earth is tilted at ____ degrees.

• 23.5

• 0

• 45

• 15

The earth’s revolution and tilt at 23.5° cause different parts of the earth to receive more or less direct sun at different times of the year.

• True

• False

A solstice is:

• the time when the Sun is at its greatest distance from the Equator, resulting in the longest or shortest day of the year

• the time when day and night are of equal length everywhere on Earth

• the period when the Earth is closest to the Sun

• the moment when the Earth's axis is perpendicular to the Sun's rays

What event marks the beginning of summer and winter, and marks the points farthest north and south that the sun’s rays shine directly overhead at noon?

• Solstices

• Equinoxes

• Eclipses

• Lunar phases

On which date does the longest night of the year occur, known as the Winter Solstice?

• December 22nd

• June 21st

• March 15th

• September 23rd

On which date does the longest day of the year occur, known as the Summer Solstice?

• June 22nd

• March 21st

• December 21st

• September 23rd

What is the tilt of the Earth's axis as shown in the diagram for both the Winter and Summer Solstice?

• 23.5 degrees

• 15 degrees

• 45 degrees

• 0 degrees

Equinoxes are:

• the two times in a year when day and night are of equal length

• the longest days of the year

• the shortest nights of the year

• the days when the Sun is closest to the Earth