SEASONS

• The seasons of one hemisphere are always opposite of those in the other hemisphere.
• The tilt of the Earth in relation to the sun changes throughout the year and this is what makes the seasons.

Duration: On going

Hawaii Content Standards:

1. Communication and sharing
2. Relationships among objects in the universe

Hawaii Performance Standards:

• Communicate ideas and information orally and in writing.
• Identify the sun that provides the earth with light and heat.
• Demonstrate an understanding that the sun is the closest star to the earth.
• Account for daylight as coming from sunlight.
• Explain that when the sun goes down, it becomes night time.
• Demonstrate an understanding that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west.
• Demonstrate an understanding that the earth is a sphere and revolves around the sun.

Level of Internet Integration: keypals, research

Possible Internet Resources (for locating keypals):

• Web66 International School Web Site Directory http://schools.omcs.com.au/benowa_primary/indexhtml
• Yahoo Educational K-12 Schools
• eMail Classroom Exchange

• During "centers" e-mail with help from Big Brothers/Big Sisters
• Students dictate e-mail messages to the teacher or parent volunteer
• E-mail in small groups of 4 before the start of school, during recess or writer's workshop
• Students will exchange e-mails with keypals at least twice a month

Overview of lesson plans: The students will-

• Conduct a class research project on seasons, using books, periodicals, visuals, the internet, etc.
• E-mail keypals from around the globe to gather data, using the following questions:

1. What seasons do you have?
2. What are some of the visible changes in your seasons? (nature, activities, sports, dress, etc.)
3. What time did the sun rise and set today? (Gr. 1)
4. What is the weather like today?
5. What is the temperature today?

• Analyze, compare/contrast data gathered to validate research
• Use graphic organizers to help structure thinking (eg. graphs, matrixes)
• Write entries in student learning logs--include insights, illustrations, etc.)