“Research has long documented that people of all ages - elementary school children, college students, and adults - cannot explain the cause of day and night or seasons,” Jessica Fries-Gaither points out in an article in the online teacher professional development magazine, Beyond Penguins and Polar Bears.

Further in the article, Fries-Gaither points to some specific misconceptions students have related to seasons:

* The earth is closer to the sun during summer and farther away during winter.
* Seasons happen at the same time everywhere on earth.
* Seasonal characteristics and change are the same everywhere on earth.

A great place to get materials, background information, and interactives all in one place about the subject of seasons is the Middle School Science Pathway. They have e-publications on middle school science topics that are well organized and easy to use. The e-publication, “Reasons for the Seasons” has links to the Harvard Private Universe study and also real-time data activities to help dispel these misconceptions for greater understanding.

Here’s another big bonus: The Middle School Portal also has another set of materials related to middle school mathematics as well!