Tilt, Rotation, and Revolution

Imagine a top spinning on the floor. This is known as rotation, and the Earth constantly rotates in a similar manner. Now, pretend that you make this top spin in a circle around your kitchen table. This would be known as a revolution. As the top moves in a circle around the table, it continues to spin or rotate on its central point.

As the Earth rotates on its axis, it also revolves around the center of the Solar System - the Sun. These circular movements, in addition to a tilt of the Earth, influences our lives throughout the seasons, throughout day to night, and throughout the year.

Essential Questions

• Why does Earth experience changes in the sky over seasons, day, and years?
• What are tilt, rotation, and revolution?