Precession Causing Perihelion to Happen Later
Videos
Grades9, 10, 11, 12Earth and Space Sciences
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Provided by Khan Academy
What it is
- This video explains that the gradual change in the direction of Earth's axis causes perihelion (the point when the Earth is closest to the Sun) to occur at different times in the calendar year.
- Students will learn that the winter solstice always occurs on the same date because our calendar is based on the direction of the Earth's tilt with regard to the Sun.
Teaching tips
Positives
- This video takes a unique approach as it starts with a misconception then shows why it is incorrect.
- There is a season simulator available to view the Earth throughout the seasons.
Additional Prerequisites
- This video is one of a series of Khan Academy videos on Earth's rotation and tilt. Students should watch the video on precession and obliquity before watching this video.
Differentiation
- Earth science classes could work in groups to act out the concept of precession. If students need help getting started, teachers could assign parts (e.g., narrator, sun, earth, perihelion, aphelion). Kinesthetic learners will enjoy this activity.
- Other resources on this topic include this video that explains how seasons work, this Khan Academy video on how Earth's tilt causes the seasons, and this lesson on how latitude affects the climate.
From the scientist review
This resource video is used to clarify some of the more confusing aspects of precession, specifically in regards to the changing of when our seasons occur. Precession will not cause a calendar change to when our seasons occur. This resource is recommended for teaching.
How we review resourcesReady to use it?
Hosted on khanacademy.org
Want this to fit your class?
Add your location for local examples, questions, and action ideas.
