Comparing Seasons in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres

Learning Objectives

Develop a claim about the seasonal differences between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres based on their understanding of what causes seasons on Earth.
Review and analyze a Average Near Surface Temperature for the years 2002-2004 (see attached hand-outs taken directly from MY NASA DATA Solstices lesson; https://mynasadata.larc.nasa.gov/weather-and-climate/).
Construct a Temperature vs. Month line graph for the year 2004 (January to December) for Northern and Southern Hemisphere Average Near Surface Temperature data, making sure to create a color key to distinguish each hemisphere.
Draw conclusions about the seasonal differences between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres based on analysis of the trends in Average Near Surface Temperature.

Standards Addressed

Grade band 6-8

Example of potential standard: S6.A.3: Systems, Models, and Patterns

S6.A.3.2.1: Describe how scientists use models to explore relationships and make predictions about natural systems (e.g., weather conditions, the solar system).

Supplies/Materials/Articles Needed

Red and blue highlighters or colored pencils. 

Preparation Time Needed

Time will be needed to find an appropriate map for your class (see the link in 'Activity Description') and to print materials. 

Class Time Required

This activity will take ~90 minutes. 

Activity Description

This lesson was used as an inquiry activity to allow students to analyze recorded Near Surface Average Temperature data in order to make claims about the differences between seasons in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres of the Earth. Students were additionally asked to construct a Temperature vs. Month line graph from a set of recorded data to determine if there was an observable difference between average temperatures in the Northern Hemispere and the Southern Hemisphere.

Weather and Climate Unit Big Idea

(School District of Philadelphia)

The difference between weather and climate is the length of time over which both are measured. The major climate zones have temperature ranges that relate to their latitudes. Biomes are large regions characterized by specific climates and certain types of plant and animal communities.

Lesson taken from the MY NASA DATA Solstices lesson and adapted for my class. Maps are available on the MY NASA website.

https://mynasadata.larc.nasa.gov/weather-and-climate/