The Earth’s Orbit

ES 2: I can explain that Earth is one of several planets to orbit (revolve and circle) the sun, and that the moon orbits Earth.

Earth’s Orbit (Revolution)

• Elliptical- oval

• Orbit is around the sun

• Takes 365 ¼ days to complete its orbit

• Earth is traveling at 67,000 mph while it orbits

• Tilt of the axis makes seasons

Elliptical Orbits

sun Earth

What shape is the Earth’s orbit?

0%

0%

0%

0% 1. Square

2. Elliptical

3. Triangular

4. Circular

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How long does it take Earth to make one complete revolution around the sun?

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0%

0%

0%

0% 1. 24 hours

2. 365 days

3. 31 days

4. 7 days

The Sun is at the center of our solar system. Which of the following best

describes our Sun?

0%

0%

0%

0% 1. Galaxy

2. Meteorite

3. Planet

4. Star

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Seasons-caused by tilt and orbit

When the Northern Hemisphere has spring, what is the season in the

Southern Hemisphere?

Win

ter

Sprin

g

Sum

mer

Fal

l

0% 0%0%0%

1. Winter

2. Spring

3. Summer

4. Fall

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What causes the seasons on Earth?

Ear

th’s

revo

lutio

n an

d ...

Ear

th’s

rota

tion a

nd til

...

Ear

th’s

rota

tion a

lone

Ear

th’s

revo

lutio

n al

one.

0% 0%0%0%

1. Earth’s revolution and tilt of the axis

2. Earth’s rotation and tilt of the axis

3. Earth’s rotation alone

4. Earth’s revolution alone.

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Reasons For the Seasons Video & Activity

Video