Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
Region 1
SCHOOLS DIVISION OFFICE OF PANGASINAN II
STA. CRUZ INTEGRATED SCHOOL
STA. MARIA DISTRICT

LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET

Grade 7-Science

NAME: _____________________________ Date: ________

Grade/ Section: _____________ Score: _______

Title: Understanding Seasons and Eclipses

What is a season?
A season is a period of time characterized by a certain set of weather conditions that repeat annually. There are typically
four seasons: spring, summer, autumn (fall), and winter.

Reasons why seasons change?

Seasons change primarily because of two factors: the tilt of Earth's axis and its revolution around the Sun. As
Earth orbits the Sun, different parts of the planet receive varying amounts of sunlight. The tilt of Earth's axis determines
the angle at which sunlight hits different regions, causing variations in temperature and weather patterns.

How does Earth's axis tilt and revolution affect the changes of season?
Earth's axis is tilted at an angle of approximately 23.5 degrees relative to its orbit around the Sun. As Earth
revolves around the Sun, different parts of the planet receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year, leading to
the changes in seasons.
What is Equinox and Solstice?
An equinox and a solstice are astronomical events that mark key points in Earth's orbit around the Sun. These
events have significant impacts on the length of daylight and the changing of seasons.
Equinox:
Spring Equinox (March Equinox): Also known as the vernal equinox, this occurs around March 20th or 21st in
the Northern Hemisphere. During the spring equinox, day and night are approximately equal in length all over the world. It
marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and autumn (fall) in the Southern Hemisphere.
Autumn Equinox (September Equinox): Also called the autumnal equinox, this takes place around September
22nd or 23rd in the Northern Hemisphere. Similar to the spring equinox, day and night are nearly equal in duration
worldwide during the autumn equinox. It signals the start of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the
Southern Hemisphere.
Solstice:
Summer Solstice: The summer solstice occurs around June 21st in the Northern Hemisphere. It is the longest
day of the year, with the Sun reaching its highest point in the sky and the North Pole being tilted closest to the Sun. In the
Southern Hemisphere, this day marks the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year.
Winter Solstice: Taking place around December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere, the winter solstice is the
shortest day of the year. During this time, the Sun is at its lowest point in the sky, and the North Pole is tilted farthest away
from the Sun. Conversely, in the Southern Hemisphere, this marks the summer solstice, the longest day of the year.

In summary, equinoxes occur when the Sun crosses the celestial equator, resulting in nearly equal day and night lengths,
while solstices happen when the Sun reaches its highest or lowest point in the sky, leading to the longest or shortest days
of the year. These events play crucial roles in determining the timing of seasons and the lengths of daylight experienced
across the globe.
How the experiences of seasons differ across various latitudes
1. Equator (0° Latitude): Areas near the equator, like the Philippines, experience minimal seasonal variation. These
regions typically have a tropical climate with consistent temperatures year-round. Instead of distinct seasons, they
often have wet and dry seasons influenced by the movement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and
monsoon patterns.
2. Tropic of Cancer (23.5° North Latitude): Places around the Tropic of Cancer, such as southern Japan, experience
more pronounced seasonal changes. They have a temperate climate with distinct spring, summer, autumn (fall),
and winter seasons. Summers tend to be warm or hot, while winters are cooler with the potential for snowfall in
some areas.
3. Arctic Circle (66.5° North Latitude): Regions near the Arctic Circle, like northern Japan, have extreme seasonal
variations. They experience long, frigid winters with minimal daylight and short, cool summers with extended
daylight hours. The transition between seasons is stark, with dramatic changes in temperature and daylight.
4. Tropic of Capricorn (23.5° South Latitude): Areas around the Tropic of Capricorn, such as parts of Australia, also
experience distinct seasons but with opposite timing compared to the Northern Hemisphere. While the Northern
Hemisphere experiences summer, the Southern Hemisphere experiences winter, and vice versa. These regions
have a temperate climate with seasonal variations in temperature and precipitation.
5. Antarctic Circle (66.5° South Latitude): Similar to the Arctic Circle, regions near the Antarctic Circle, like parts of
Antarctica, undergo extreme seasonal changes. They have long, dark winters with freezing temperatures and
short, cool summers with extended daylight. The transition between seasons is stark, with significant shifts in
temperature and daylight hours.
In summary, the experiences of seasons vary depending on the latitude of a region, with equatorial areas experiencing
minimal seasonal changes and polar regions undergoing extreme seasonal variations.

What is the difference between aphelion and perihelion?

Aphelion and perihelion refer to the points in Earth's orbit where it is farthest and closest to the Sun, respectively.
Aphelion occurs when Earth is farthest from the Sun, while perihelion occurs when it is closest to the Sun. These points
in Earth's orbit affect the intensity of sunlight received by different regions, but they do not directly cause the seasons.

What is an eclipse?
An eclipse occurs when one celestial body moves into the shadow of another celestial body. For example, a solar
eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking out the Sun's light. A lunar eclipse
occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon.

How about the difference between lunar and solar eclipse?

The main difference between a lunar and solar eclipse is the position of the Earth, Moon, and Sun relative to each
other. In a solar eclipse, the Moon comes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking out the Sun's light. In a lunar eclipse,
the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon. Lunar eclipses are safe to view with the
naked eye, while solar eclipses require special eye protection to prevent eye damage.
Lunar Eclipse Shadow:
During a lunar eclipse, the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow onto the lunar
surface. There are two parts to Earth's shadow: the penumbra and the umbra. The penumbra is the outer part of the
shadow where the Sun is only partially blocked, causing a subtle dimming of the Moon's brightness. The umbra is the
inner, darker part of the shadow where the Sun is completely blocked, causing the Moon to appear reddish or copper-
colored during a total lunar eclipse. This phenomenon, known as a "blood moon," occurs because the Earth's
atmosphere scatters sunlight, filtering out blue light and allowing red light to reach the Moon.
Solar Eclipse Shadow:
During a solar eclipse, the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, casting its shadow onto the Earth's
surface. Similar to lunar eclipses, there are two parts to the Moon's shadow: the penumbra and the umbra. The
penumbra is the outer part of the shadow where the Sun is only partially blocked, resulting in a partial solar eclipse where
the Sun appears partially obscured. The umbra is the inner, darker part of the shadow where the Sun is completely
blocked, causing a total solar eclipse. In the path of totality, observers experience the surreal sight of the Sun's corona
surrounding the dark silhouette of the Moon.

Activity
Direction: Encircle the letter of the correct answer.
1. What is the primary cause of seasons on Earth?
a) Changes in the Earth's distance from the Sun.
b) Variations in Earth's rotation speed.
c) The tilt of Earth's axis relative to its orbit around the Sun.
d) Changes in Earth's magnetic field.
2. How does the tilt of Earth's axis affect the seasons?
a) It causes variations in the intensity of sunlight received by different regions.
b) It increases the speed of Earth's rotation.
c) It changes the shape of Earth's orbit around the Sun.
d) It has no effect on the seasons.
3. During which astronomical event are day and night approximately equal in length worldwide?
a) Summer solstice
b) Winter solstice
c) Spring equinox
d) Autumn equinox
4. What occurs during the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere?
a) The longest day and the shortest night of the year.
b) The shortest day and the longest night of the year.
c) Equal day and night lengths.
d) No observable changes in day length.
5. In what region would you expect to find minimal seasonal variation?
a) Near the equator
b) At the Arctic Circle
c) Near the Tropic of Cancer
d) At the Antarctic Circle
6. What is the significance of aphelion and perihelion in Earth's orbit?
a) They mark the beginning and end of each season.
b) They determine the strength of Earth's magnetic field.
c) They indicate the points in Earth's orbit where it is farthest and closest to the Sun.
d) They have no effect on Earth's climate.
7. What is the name for a celestial event where the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun?
a) Equinox
b) Solstice
c) Eclipse
d) Rotation
8. What is the primary difference between a lunar and a solar eclipse?
a) A lunar eclipse occurs at night, while a solar eclipse occurs during the day.
b) A solar eclipse involves the Earth passing between the Sun and the Moon, while a lunar eclipse involves the
Moon passing between the Earth and the Sun.
c) A solar eclipse affects only the Earth's atmosphere, while a lunar eclipse affects only the Moon's surface.
d) A lunar eclipse is more frequent than a solar eclipse.
9. What causes the reddish color often seen during a total lunar eclipse?
a) Dust storms on the Moon's surface.
b) Earth's atmosphere scattering sunlight and filtering out blue light.
c) The presence of volcanic activity on the Moon.
d) Magnetic interference between Earth and the Moon.
10. During which phase of the Moon does a solar eclipse occur?
a) New Moon
b) Full Moon
c) Waxing Crescent
d) Waning Gibbous