First Day of Fall

Abstract

This activity can be done on the first day of winter, spring, or summer and is intended to help students understand the angle the sun's rays make with the horizon in their location. Students will construct a diagram depicting the sun's rays as they hit the Earth on the first day of the selected season. They will label and measure the angles made from the light of the sun striking the horizons of the various latitudes, and correlate that to the angles of latitude on Earth. This activity can be used as a tool for describing the intensity of the sun on these particular days. The site provides a sample chart and diagram as well as detailed instructions and a list of required materials. Educational levels: High school, Middle school