Understanding the Winter Solstice: Hands-On Activity

The Winter Solstice is coming up fast - it's on December 21 this year. Do you and your kids struggle with understanding how the movement of the earth creates the Winter Solstice here on earth? We can help!

In this hands-on activity we will guide you through how to make simple models of the earth and sun using super cheap (or already in your home) materials. Then we use the models to explain how the movement of the earth around the sun creates the Winter Solstice, Summer Solstice, Spring Equinos, Autumn Equinox and the seasons.

We suggest that you (the faciliator) watch the video first, then teach the concept to your kids.

The 6 page PDF includes a reading passage with vocabulary and discussion questions, hands-on activity directions, a follow-up labeling worksheet, and activity extension ideas. The 6 minute video shows how to do the hands-on activity, and explains exactly what's going on in the sky when the seasons change in an easy to understand way using the models.