7th Grade
Chapter 1 – Earth’s rotation and revolution, seasons and Moon
Vocabulary
Axis
Rotation
Revolution
Orbit
Solstice
Equinox
Phases
Eclipse
Study points
 The northern hemisphere experience winter when the angle of the sun increases – it spreads the light
from the sun over a greater distance giving us cooler temperatures even though we are closer to the
sun. We are also tilted away from the sun which gives us cooler temperatures
 rotation causes days and nights
 The earth revolves around the sun – its takes 365 days
 We have seasons because the earth is tilted on its axis as it spins around the sun (revolves)
 The phases of the moon depend on the lighted part of the moon that you see
PLEASE BE SURE THAT YOU CAN IDENTIFY THE PHAESES OF THE MOON – USE THE TRICK WE LEARNED IN
CLASS (WAX ON AND WANE OFF)
Short response questions:
1. Explain how day and night occur
2. Explain why it is warmer at the equator than near the poles
3. Explain why it is winter in the northern hemisphere when the sun is closest to the earth.
USE DETAILS FROM THE TEXT AND CLASS DISCUSSINS TO ANSWER THE SHORT RESPOSNE QUESTIONS. EACH
ANSWER MUST BE 2-3 FULL AND COMPLETE SENTENCES.