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//This resource page has been dedicated to providing resources regarding the Earth's seasons and weather. To view the Sunshine State Standards and NET-S that my lesson plan covers, please view my "Lesson Plan" page. I have included a brief description about each resource. Please feel free to use this resource page at any time! //

National Aeronautics and Space Administration. (2011). //What’s a Solstice?// [|__http://scijinks.jpl.nasa.gov/solstice__].

The authors at NASA provide excellent visual aids to help explain what causes a solstice through animation as well as photographs. It goes in depth about how the axis of the Earth effects the seasons as well as provides a detailed explaining the lines of latitude. It has fun facts about the constellations and mentions the zodiac calendar. The text is very informative and on grade level for most fourth grade students.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration. (2011). //Why does Earth have seasons?//[|__//http://scijinks.jpl.nasa.gov/earths-seasons//__]

The authors at NASA give a basic overview of how the Earth’s tilted axis and orbit of the sun causes the ever-constant presence of the seasons. It has a chart showing the placement of the Earth relative to the sun during Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall. It describes how different places of the Earth experience different seasons at the same time and shows pictures of the hemispheres.

National Geographic. (2008). //A Reason for the Season.// [|__http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/activities/07/season.html__].

The authors at National Geographic give a background on the history of the Earth’s cycles from the perspective of other cultures, and then from what is accepted today by the scientific community. It goes on to use valid, scientific data to explain why seasons exist and that they are a constant occurrence. The site also elaborates on the summer and winter solstices, as well as on the autumnal and vernal equinoxes. It provides suggestions for student activities.

National Geographic. (2008). //Cosmic Map.// [|__http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/activities/07/popup/cosmic.html__].

This interactive map game quizzes students on the “Reason for the Season” article, as well as the NASA article. They will be able to apply the knowledge they  learned about the relationship between the Earth, sun, and seasons. Students have unlimited attempts to look at the map and select the positions of the  summer and winter solstices, as well as on the autumnal and vernal equinoxes. They are rewarded with a fun visual when they guess correctly and are  encouraged to try again if they answer incorrectly.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (2011). //Changing Seasons.// [].

The authors of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration provide a great deal of background information about climate change a seasons that would be ideal for a teacher to read previous to teaching a lesson on weather and seasons. It is exceptional at relating the climate to other aspects of the Earth- ecosystems, animals, migration, and much more. The site also supplies viewers with beautiful photographs of different seasonal vegetation, as well as a climate map of the United States. This site is a good resource when planning critical thinking questions for students.

SCHOLASTIC. (2011). //Investigate: Explore Climate Conditions- Interactive Weather Maker//. __[]__.

The authors at SCHOLASTIC give instruction on how to play this interactive weather game. They suggest questions to ask and observations to record while students play this “game.” The game itself lets students make observations about the cause and effects of changing a location’s temperature and humidity levels. The fun visual aid and hands-on activity will help students better remember the concepts they previously read about.

SCHOLASTIC. (2011). //Weather Facts.// [].

The authors at SCHOLASTIC go into detail describing various weather components, including air pressure systems, temperature, winds, and humidity. All of these elements play a part in shaping the seasons. Students can use this article to broaden their knowledge of basic weather facts. This article really drives home that weather and the seasons are interconnected and teaches students which weather characteristics bring which climate changes.

The Weather Channel. (2011). //Teacher Resources.// [|__//http://www.theweatherchannelkids.com/weather-ed/teacher-resources///__]

The Weather Channel is a reputable source that has a plethora of activities and resources for kids and teachers. Resources include a glossary, weather  encyclopedia, sun safety tips, and forecasting tips. The only downside is that if you are an educator, you must register before viewing any of the lesson plans.  However, many of the weather related games are available right away to children.