Seasons Science Activities: The Four Seasons of the Year {FREE}

All over the world we have seasons. Right now in California, we are smack dab in the middle of winter. This turns our usually sunny and warm climate into colder temperatures with more precipitation. No matter where you live or what season you are currently experiencing, you can introduce the science topic of the four seasons into your classroom. Our FREE seasons science activities folder is the perfect way to introduce and learn about Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer!

Introducing the Seasons

Kids love learning about the changing seasons because it’s a topic that they can relate to. For example, they usually have a lot of background knowledge about what type of weather accompanies each season. Also, they tend to know what type of clothing is appropriate with the changes that each season brings. To tie in their background knowledge with new concepts, we like to read these books with our kiddos:

Sunshine Makes the Seasons (Let’s-Read-and-Find… Science 2) by Franklyn M. Branley and Michael Rex
Watching the Seasons (Welcome Books) by Edana Eckart
The Reasons for Seasons by Gail Gibbons
Tree For All Seasons by Robin Bernard

Why Do We Experience Seasons?

We experience seasons on Earth because the Earth’s axis is tilted in relation to its orbit around the sun. It is this tilt that causes the amount of sunlight and heat that the Earth receives to change throughout the year. That change results in the different seasons we experience!

During the summer months, the Earth is tilted towards the sun, causing the Northern Hemisphere to receive more direct sunlight. This results in warmer temperatures. During the winter months, the Earth is tilted away from the sun. This causes the Northern Hemisphere to receive less direct sunlight resulting in colder temperatures.

This video also helps explain why we experience seasons in a kid friendly way… check it out with your students!

Now that you have this background information to share with your students, you are ready to start preparing your seasons science activities folder!

Making the Seasons Science Activities Folder

To start, you will need the following:

file folders (one per student)
scissors
glue sticks
pencils
crayons or markers
stapler

Optional materials for the tree craft:

paint
paint brushes
cotton swabs
cotton
tissue paper

Folder Cover

Now that you have these materials, your students can start making their folder! First, students will glue the cover page to the front of the folder. We have provided both a color and black/white version. If choosing B&W, have students color and cut along the border. Then, have them glue this page on the front of the file folder. Optional: Students can use the provided labels to label their folder with the Earth Science topic and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) covered!

Inside the Folder

Now let’s work on the inside of the folder! First part is the vocabulary reference sheet. We have provided vocabulary words with definitions in color and B&W options. If you prefer to have your students write their own definition, you can use the words on page 13. Next, trim along the border and glue to the inside left of the folder.

After that, they will work on the mini book. Give each student a copy of the book pages. Then, have them cut along the middle to assemble in the correct page order and staple. Students will read while you discuss the four seasons as a class. Have them glue the book to the top right of the folder.

Next up is the “Seasons of Change” assessment. Students will complete the cut and paste activity by sorting each fact under the correct season. Glue the completed activity to the bottom right of the folder.

Back of the Folder

Finally, they are ready for the Seasons & Trees craft! This will be glued to the back of the folder. Start by giving each student the “Seasons & Trees” printable. Discuss how many trees go through changes each season. After that, students will use various materials to show the appearance of each tree during the different seasons! As an example, we used paint and cotton to create “snow” and “leaves”. Tissue paper also works great to create a fun 3-D effect!