Teal Tidings - December 2008
Did you know the Earth is actually nearer the sun in January than it is in June -- by three million miles? This is irrelevant to our planet’s seasons. The Earth leans slightly on its axis like a spinning top and this tilt makes the sun’s rays shine unevenly across its surface. Winter solstice, December 21, is when our hemisphere is leaning farthest away from the sun. The shortest amount of daylight occurs and the sun has its lowest arc in the sky.
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Many cultures around the world perform solstice ceremonies. In Europe many people feed wildlife. Fill a bird feeder, string some cereal or put out some dried corn. Your backyard wildlife will be grateful.
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December is also when ME4E is begins its S.M.A.R.T. workshops. We come to classrooms and help the students prepare for their March state tests. Hands-on activities with an environmental theme cover math, reading and science skills. Students work in small teams so that collaboration is also part of the program. A post-evaluation can be requested so that teachers can focus future skill reviews on areas that may need additional assistance. Contact us today to schedule your workshop.
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