FACT: Seasons change as we orbit the sun.
Spring • Summer • Autumn • Winter
Twice
a year, around March 20 or 21 and Sept. 22 or 23, our sun shines
directly over the equator. That event marks the beginning of spring or
fall. What is the
equator?
Public Domain photo
e·qua·tor
[əˈkwā•dər]
noun
an
imaginary line drawn around the earth equally distant from both
poles,dividing the earth into northern and southern hemispheres and
constituting the parallel of latitude 0°.
In March when the sun shines directly over the
equator, the event is called the spring or
vernal equinox. In September when the sun shines directly over the equator, the event is called the fall or
autumnal equinox.
Things to look for in fall:
1.
Deciduous (di•si•jo͞o•əs) t
rees will change color and drop all their leaves. Evergreen trees will not. Evergreen trees will stay forever green. :-) Why do the leaves of deciduous trees change color? Use
World Book Online
to research. Remember, do NOT copy sentences. That is plagiarism, and
it is against the law! Take notes, and then turn your notes into your
own sentences.
2. On the
equinox, there are exactly 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of night. The day and night hours are
equal. However, as we continue into fall,
the days will get shorter and the night hours will get longer.
This pattern will continue until we reach the winter solstice. That is
the longest night of the year and marks a new season, winter.
3. Because the northern hemisphere is now tilted
away from the sun, the days will start to become cooler.
People will change their behavior.What sorts of behavioral changes will your family make as the days get shorter and cooler? (In southern California, we have
mild climate. We don't get too cold in our community.)
There are many fall festivals or holidays. Watch the
BrainPop video about fall
to learn about the many harvest festivals celebrated. Do you celebrate
any of these autumn holidays? If so, please share so we can learn from
you!
4.
Some animals in the northern hemisphere will change their behavior.
As fall leads to winter, some animals migrate, or move, to a warmer
area. Others try to fatten up for the winter they know is coming.
If you are in the southern hemisphere, tell us what season you are enjoying! How are you changing your behavior?
