Why the Seasons Change

Why do the seasons change? If you guessed the seasonal alteration has to do with the Earth's distance from the sun on its elliptical orbit, you guessed incorrectly. In fact, the primary reason is the 23.5 degree tilt of the Earth's axis, which causes the Northern Hemisphere to lean toward the sun for part of the year, resulting in the warmer temperatures of the summer months. Conversely, the Northern Hemisphere tilts away from the sun for part of the year, resulting in the colder temperatures of the winter months. As you can see in the diagram below, the Earth is actually closer in distance to the sun during the Northern Hemisphere's winter season; however the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the sun. Strange, huh?






Of course, when referring to seasons, it is important to remember that the Southern Hemisphere is different from the Northern Hemisphere; so when we are basking in the warm summer sun, those in the Southern Hemisphere are piling on their winter coats. Thus, while the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun (summer), the Southern Hemisphere is tilted away from the sun (winter).





The equator, however, is a different story. Close to the equator, the seasons do not change in the traditional sense; the equator’s two seasons are the wet season and the dry season. In reference to temperature, the equator is like one continuous summer, but due to the frequent rain and humidity, the equator is actually NOT the hottest place in the world. The temperature in equatorial regions also varies with amount of precipitation and altitude. In fact, a small amount of snow lies on the southern slopes of Volcan Cayambe, a volcano that boasts the highest equatorial altitude, in Ecuador.



Let us know what your favorite season is!

A "Bee's Eye View"

These amazing pictures of Spring crocus (Crocus vernus) were taken by Norwegian scientist-cameraman Bjorn Roslett. The top picture was taken in natural light and the bottom one in ultraviolet light. The top picture shows how the flower looks to our human eyes. The bottom picture shows how the flower looks to an insect. See the three rings of color? These help guide insects to the center of the flower so they can find the pollen and nectar...kind of like "landing strips" that airplanes use to land on runways! Read more HERE

DO THIS AT HOME:
Draw your own flower! You can use plain paper, a coffee filter, paper plate, whatever you like. Email your pictures to marketing@amod.org and you might see your picture right here on our blog!

Do you want to be on TV?

At the Museum of Discovery, you can use our "green screen" to be a weather forecaster, newsperson or more. You can see yourself on the screen.

Electrical Safety Quiz!

So, how well do you know electrical safety?


1. What should you do when your toast is stuck in the toaster?





2. What should you do if you get caught in an electric storm?







3. What should you do if you see a down or low hanging power line?
4. What should you do if your kite gets caught in the power lines?
5. True/False: Electrical current can flow through concrete.

Scroll down for the answers....





Answers:
1. Unplug the toaster and use a wooden utensil to get the toast
2. Go inside immediately and stay away from windows
3. Stay away from it and call the electric company
4. Notify the utility company immediately
5. True

How many questions did you answer correctly? Let us know; leave a comment! Also...

Join us at the Museum for GET A CHARGE OUT OF ELECTRICITY, Sept 24-26. Showtimes for the INTERACTIVE magic show by Scott Davis are:
Thurs and Fri Sept 24 & 25: 10a.m., 12 noon and 2 p.m.
Saturday Sept 26 11:30a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.)
This presentation is perfect for all ages.

In the Words of Confucius: Just Do It!

Angela Burgess is on staff at the Museum and reminded us recently of the saying

I HEAR AND I FORGET

I SEE AND I REMEMBER

I DO AND I UNDERSTAND

How true! Research has shown that people learn best when they can actually DO what they are learning. For this reason, the Museum of Discovery provides HANDS-ON activities. For example, our BACKYARD SCIENCE exhibit has a “pollination station”

You can read about which bugs like which flowers, then match the bug to the flower using a digital puzzle piece. If you get it right, you hear a DING. If you get it wrong, a buzz. Fun! Come on by and try it!

Dinosaur Night at the Museum

Do you love dinosaurs? We do too!

DINOSAUR NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM!
For Museum and AETN Members
September 10, 5:30-7pm
Museum of Discovery
AETN and Museum members will enjoy refreshments, meet the Museum’s Lilo the Dinosaur, and watch a special episode of Dinosaur Train!

To celebrate of PBSKids’ new series DINOSAUR TRAIN the Museum of Discovery and Arkansas Educational Television Network (AETN) are teaming up to bring you a special “members only” event.

Not a member? Click HERE to become a Museum member or HERE to become an AETN member.

The thirty minute show is appropriate for ages 3-6 (although the adults here love it too) and features both live and animated segments. Best of all, we’ll learn while we’re entertained!


Get acquainted with the lovable characters as you learn and laugh with them


The thirty minute show features two animated segments and a live action segment featuring Dr. Scott Sampson, a dinosaur paleontologist and host of Discovery Channel’s series Dinosaur Planet.

We look forward to seeing all of you on the September 10!