Ch 11: The Earth-Sun Relationship
About This Chapter
The Earth-Sun Relationship - Chapter Summary
If your middle-schooler has been studying geography in class or would like to learn more about the solar system, these short, entertaining videos are a great resource. In these lessons, students examine the theories of Earth's formation, learn about how the tilt of the Earth and its position around the sun affects the climate, and discover our place in the universe. Use the lesson quizzes to see how well your student understands the concepts and help him or her prepare for class exams.
Chapter Lessons and Objectives
| Video | Objectives |
|---|---|
| Formation of the Earth: Theories | Lesson describes the theories of our planet's formation. |
| Earth's Location in the Solar System | Students explore the solar system and the order of the planets. |
| Earth's Axial Tilt & Orbit Around the Sun | Lesson explains how the tilt of the Earth affects the seasons. |
| Geography of the Four Seasons | Students examine the season changes and the factors that influence them. |
| Why the Sun Changes Color | Video illustrates the processes that make the sun appear to change colors. |
| The Sun's Path Through the Local Sky | Students learn about our place in the Milky Way. |
| Using the Sun & Stars to Determine Latitude & Longitude | Lesson introduces the principles of star navigation. |
| The Sun's Angle & Movement | Students consider the angle and movement of the sun. |
| The Equator, the Tropics of Cancer & Capricorn: Association with Earth-Sun Geometry | Students explore the more temperate regions where seasons are not as distinct. |
1. Formation of the Earth: Theories
In this lesson, the theory of how the planet Earth formed will be discussed. This includes looking at how it differentiated into three layers, how it formed its atmosphere, water, and land features, and how it continues to evolve today.
2. Earth's Location in the Solar System
After watching this video, you will be able to describe Earth's place in the solar system, the galaxy and the universe as a whole. A short quiz will follow.
3. Earth's Axial Tilt & Orbit Around the Sun
After watching this video, you will be able to describe the Earth's orbit around the Sun, including the orbital plane, its eccentricity, and axial tilt. A short quiz will follow.
4. Geography of the Four Seasons
This lesson will explain how the earth's axis and rotation affect seasons. In doing this, it will also highlight the concept of the summer and winter solstices, as well as how seasons vary around the globe.
5. Why the Sun Changes Color
The Sun does not change its true color. However, the way we observe the Sun on Earth makes it appear that the sun changes color. Why this is so is outlined in this lesson.
6. The Sun's Path Through the Local Sky
After watching this video, you should be able to describe the Sun's path through the sky at different latitudes and different times of year: particularly the equinoxes and solstices. A short quiz will follow.
7. Using the Sun & Stars to Determine Latitude & Longitude
After watching this video, you will be able to explain how to use the stars or the Sun to find out your latitude and longitude. A short quiz will follow.
8. The Sun's Angle & Movement
After watching this video, you will be able to explain how the Sun's movement in the sky varies with the seasons and how that relates to the length of each day. A short quiz will follow.
9. The Equator, the Tropics of Cancer & Capricorn: Association with Earth-Sun Geometry
After watching this video, you will be able to explain what the Equator, the Tropic of Cancer, and the Tropic of Capricorn are in terms of latitude and longitude. A short quiz will follow, allowing for further review of the material.
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Other Chapters
Other chapters within the Geography: Middle School course
- Introduction to Geography
- Tools Used in Geography
- Earth's Spheres and Internal Structure
- Plate Tectonics
- Minerals and Rocks
- Weathering and Erosion
- Rock Deformation and Mountain Building
- Ground Water
- Running Bodies of Water
- Glaciers
- Solar Radiation & Energy
- Global Temperature Patterns & The Atmosphere
- Climate
- Atmospheric Pressure and Wind
- Atmospheric, Weather & Wind Patterns
- Atmospheric Moisture, Precipitation & Clouds
- Weather Events
- Geomorphology of Arid Regions
- Oceans & Coasts
- Geologic Time
- The Origin and Dispersal of Humans and Culture
- The Impact of Geography on Language & Culture
- The Environment & Human Populations
- The Domestication of Plants & Animals
- The Global Distribution & Characteristics of Soil
- Geography of Land Resources
- Human Movement & Spatial Processes
- Types of Human Settlements
- Ethnicity & Geography
- Modern Economic Systems
- The Economy & Geography
- Political Geography
- Impact of Humans on the Environment
- Renewable Resources
- Nonrenewable Resources
- Environmental Sustainability
- Food and Agriculture
- Solid and Hazardous Waste
- Environmental Risk Analysis
- Ethical and Political Processes of the Environment
- Understanding Geography Using Maps
- The Impact of Religion on Geography
- Early Human Civilizations
- World Conflicts & Geography
- Geography of North America
- Geography of the U.S.
- Geography of Canada
- Geography of the Caribbean & Central & South America
- Geography of Europe
- Geography of Africa & the Middle East
- Geography of South Asia
- Geography of China, Japan & the Koreas
- Geography of Russia & Central Asia
- Geography of Australia & the Pacific Islands
