Table of Contents

Reasons for the Seasons

Module 3: The Earth and the Moon

Button controls:

• (1) Help button:
  • This button will open a window with help information
• (2) Controller buttons:

• (A) Reset: reload the applet and reset the parameters
• (B) Rewind: press and hold to advance the applet in reverse
• (C) Pause: temporarily stop the action in the applet
• (D) Play: begin or resume the action in the applet
• (E) Fast Forward: press and hold to advance the applet
• (F) End: advance the applet to its end
• (G) Speed: click to select the number and input a higher number to increase the speed of the rewind and fast forward buttons
• (H) Slider bar: shows the progression through the animation
• (I) Drag controller: click and drag over this symbol to reposition the controller buttons within the applet frame
• (J) Collapse button: click this button to collapse controller button

Using the applet:

This applet has been designed to help students visualize the reasons for the seasons.

The axis of the Earth is tilted 23.5 degrees (4) from the orbital plane, which, combined with Earth's rotation around the Sun, causes the seasons. Depending on the season, the Sun's rays hit the Earth at different angles (3). During the summer, the Northern Hemisphere receives more direct sunlight, experiencing warmer temperatures.

* Remember, while Canadians are enjoying summer, our friends in Australia are experiencing winter.