What does the winter solstice mean to us on earth?
The winter solstice is an important time of year for many reasons. While it recognizes a celestial event, people have celebrated it throughout history. For this seminar we will build our understanding of its significance to people and other living things and spend some time outside exploring the planets and stars.
Step 1: Understand what the solstice is.
Use these resources to help
https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/history/winter-solstice/
You should be able to answer the following questions before going on to the next step:
- What part of the earth has the longest night on the winter solstice?
- Why is the winter solstice on December 21?
- Why does the length of day change throughout the year?
- What happens in the southern hemisphere on our (northern Hemisphere) winter solstice?
Step 2: Understand what that means for us here in Rochester.
https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/usa/rochester
- What time does the sun rise?
- What time does the sun set?
- How many hours of daylight?
- How many hours of darkness?
Step 3: Create your own model of the winter solstice.
What do I mean by this? Create something, out of anything, that demonstrates why this is the shortest day and longest night of the year. Your model should include the earth and sun.
Send me a picture of your model. I will post them on our instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/rocurbanecologists/
Step 3: Research what the winter solstice means to people or animals around the world. Try to find at least three articles to discuss.
Solstice Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_solstice
American Indian Winter Solstice Celebrations
Readers Digest: 13 Fascinating Winter Solstice Traditions Around the World
https://www.rd.com/list/winter-solstice-traditions/
Ireland Solstice Celebration