Resource Needs: Globe
on its axis, hemisphere worksheet, list of countries the children
can choose from for their internet research later.
Learning Objectives: Children will
be able to differentiate between the northern hemisphere and
the southern hemisphere and link the tilt of the earth on its
axis to the differing seasonal climates of the two.
Prior Knowledge/Skills: understanding
of directions north, south, east, west, basic map reading skills,
understanding of the hemisphere divisions.
Key Definitions:
Equator: the invisible line that
divides the earth into north and south.
Northern Hemisphere: the part
of the earth above the equator.
Southern Hemisphere: the part
of the earth below the equator.
The objective of this session is to link the children's
understanding of the orbit and axis tilt of the earth to the seasons in actual
parts of the world. You will have to make it very clear to them that when
the the top part of the earth is tilted toward the sun in its orbit, that part
has warm weather; and vice versa. A globe on its axis is an essential
tool for this understanding.
Explain that the UK is in the northern hemisphere, while
South Africa is in the southern hemisphere. Discuss the differences in
seasons between the two places, and then, once you are sure they understand
the relationship between position on the globe and the seasons, move on
to the next lesson.
TEACHERS
