Seasons and the Sun
📖 Learn
Throughout the year, we experience different seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. The Sun and Earth work together to make the seasons change!
The Four Seasons
Earth has four seasons that repeat every year. Each season has different weather and changes in nature.
- Spring: Weather gets warmer, flowers bloom, baby animals are born
- Summer: The warmest season, long sunny days, plants grow
- Fall (Autumn): Weather gets cooler, leaves change color and fall
- Winter: The coldest season, short days, sometimes snow
Key Words to Know
- Season: A time of year with certain weather patterns
- Temperature: How hot or cold something is
- Sunlight: Light that comes from the Sun
- Warmth: Heat that makes things feel warm
Why Do Seasons Change?
Earth travels around the Sun once every year. As Earth moves, different parts get more or less sunlight. When your part of Earth gets more sunlight, it is warmer (summer). When it gets less sunlight, it is colder (winter).
💡 Examples
Let's learn more about each season.
Example 1: Spring
In spring, the weather gets warmer after winter.
- Flowers start to bloom
- Trees grow new leaves
- Baby animals are born
- Birds return from warmer places
- Days get longer
What to wear: A light jacket - it can be rainy!
Example 2: Summer
Summer is the warmest season of the year.
- The Sun shines longer each day
- It is hot outside
- Plants grow tall and green
- Many fruits and vegetables are ready to eat
- School is often out for summer break
What to wear: Shorts, t-shirts, and sunscreen!
Example 3: Fall (Autumn)
In fall, the weather starts to get cooler.
- Leaves change to red, orange, and yellow
- Leaves fall from trees
- Days get shorter
- Animals gather food for winter
- Harvest time for pumpkins and apples
What to wear: Sweaters and light jackets!
Example 4: Winter
Winter is the coldest season of the year.
- Days are short and nights are long
- It can be very cold
- Some places get snow
- Trees without leaves look bare
- Some animals hibernate (sleep all winter)
What to wear: Warm coats, hats, and gloves!
Example 5: Sunlight and Temperature
Question: Why is summer hotter than winter?
Answer: In summer, the sun shines on us longer each day and gives us more warmth. In winter, the sun shines for less time, so it is colder.
✏️ Practice
Answer these questions about seasons and the Sun.
Problem 1
Name the four seasons.
Show Answer
Spring, summer, fall (autumn), and winter.
Problem 2
Which season is the warmest?
Show Answer
Summer is the warmest season.
Problem 3
Which season is the coldest?
Show Answer
Winter is the coldest season.
Problem 4
When do leaves change color and fall from trees?
Show Answer
Leaves change color and fall from trees in fall (autumn).
Problem 5
When do flowers bloom and baby animals are born?
Show Answer
Flowers bloom and baby animals are born in spring.
Problem 6
In which season might you see snow?
Show Answer
You might see snow in winter.
Problem 7
What makes summer days feel warmer than winter days?
Show Answer
In summer, the sun shines for more hours each day, giving us more light and warmth.
Problem 8
What happens to days in winter - are they longer or shorter?
Show Answer
Days are shorter in winter. The sun sets earlier.
Problem 9
What should you wear in winter to stay warm?
Show Answer
In winter, wear warm coats, hats, gloves, scarves, and boots.
Problem 10
How long does it take for all four seasons to happen?
Show Answer
It takes one year (about 365 days) for all four seasons to happen.
✅ Check Your Understanding
Answer these questions to see what you learned.
Question 1
What is your favorite season? Why?
Show Answer
Answers will vary. Think about what you like to do in each season and what weather you enjoy!
Question 2
How does the sun affect the seasons?
Show Answer
When we get more sunlight, it is warmer (summer). When we get less sunlight, it is colder (winter).
Question 3
What do animals do to get ready for winter?
Show Answer
Some animals gather and store food. Some animals hibernate (sleep all winter). Some birds fly to warmer places.
Question 4
Why do we wear different clothes in different seasons?
Show Answer
The weather changes with each season. We wear warm clothes in cold weather and light clothes in warm weather to stay comfortable.
🚀 Next Steps
- Keep a weather journal - write down what the weather is like each day
- Draw pictures of trees in each season showing how they change
- Talk with your family about activities you do in different seasons
- Return to Earth, Sun and Moon Unit to review