Seasons

An Experimental Internet Based Lesson in Determining the Cause of Seasons

Copyright 1998 by

James P. Riser

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Scenario:

You are applying for a position (job) as chief research scientist at the world famous Riser Institute of Research. The institute is known for only selecting the best applicants as members of their research team. They also pay the highest salary in the industry, provide the best benefits, send their team members all over the world, provide free housing, and provide an annual 30 day paid vacation. This would be a very desirable position.

In order to help evaluate their applicants, the Riser Institute of Research requires each applicant to complete a research project. You are paired with one other teammate to determine how well you work with others. Your research project is described below.

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The Project:

You have been given two theories to investigate. Your task is to determine which of these two theories is the correct theory. You must look over a selected set of information and devise an experiment (using only the provided apparatus) to test the two theories. After testing the theories, you must write up a short paper describing your problem (evaluating the two theories), describing your experiment, describing your findings, and describing your conclusions. This paper needs to be printed out and turned into your evaluator.

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The Theories:

Theory 1: Summer occurs on the earth because the earth is closer to the sun during these months. Winter occurs because the earth is farther from the sun.

Theory 2: Summer and winter occur on the earth because of the changing angle at which the sun's light strikes the earth.

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The Items Provided:

The only information that you have available for your use is at the various URLs (links) listed below. Be aware that not all of these links will help you with your problem.. All are related to your research, though. You must decide which are the most useful to your team. You may only use the apparatus listed below.