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Year 1 - Geography

Introducing the seasons

Seasons: how does the weather change through the year?

Unit Summary

This unit introduces weather and seasonal change by exploring different types of weather and how they vary across the year. Pupils observe and measure the weather, identify patterns, and begin to relate seasonal change to the calendar year.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain Earth's movement and how the Sun gives us night and day and the seasons.

Key Notes

  • We have seasons because Earth is tilted on its axis as it orbits the Sun each year.
  • Each season has its own weather patterns and we can use weather data to talk about this.
  • When the North Pole is tilted away from the Sun, UK days have fewer hours of daylight, are colder, and it's winter.
  • When the North Pole is tilted towards the Sun, UK days have more hours of daylight, are warmer, and it's summer.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • axis: An axis is an imaginary straight line through Earth which rotates around it.
  • orbit: An orbit is the regular route in space that one object takes around another, for example, the path Earth takes around the Sun.
  • cycle: A cycle is something that happens from start to finish, usually before it starts again and repeats.
  • the Sun: The Sun is a star around which Earth orbits. It is the source of light and heat for our planet.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Earth orbits the Sun and does not rotate on its axis at the same time.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this geography topic using two clear key points.

We have seasons because Earth is tilted on its axis as it orbits the Sun each year. Each season has its own weather patterns and we can use weather data to talk about this.

2. Define this geography term and use it in an example. 'axis'

An axis is an imaginary straight line through Earth which rotates around it.

3. Correct this common geography misunderstanding.

Mistake: Earth orbits the Sun and does not rotate on its axis at the same time. Correction: Earth rotates on its axis, one full rotation is 24 hours. While it rotates on its axis it orbits the Sun. This takes 365 1/4 days, or one year.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 1 Geography guide library.