SEASONS

The seasons change because the Earth tilts on an angle as it orbits the sun. This means that during a part of the year, either the northern part or the southern part of the Earth leans more directly towards the sun. The part closest to the sun gets more light and heat and has summer. While the part tilting away from the sun has less light and heat and has winter. What causes the seasons?

SPRING SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER

In spring, there are blossoms on some trees and many flowers grow. Plants that grow from bulbs such as daffodils and tulips flower in spring. The weather is warmer, but can change a lot. There is plenty of rain in spring. Birds make nests and lay eggs and many animals have babies in the spring. Many lambs are born in spring

SUMMER DECEMBER, JANUARY AND FEBRUARY

In summer the weather is hot and gets hotter. People find ways to keep cool. Many go to the beach to swim in the cool water, or they find a shady place in a garden. For many people, summer is time for holidays. Cricket and tennis are summer sports Many kinds of soft fruits such as peaches and strawberries are ready to pick in summer. In the home garden, tomatoes are ripe. Summer is often a time of drought in Australia. Bushfires too are likely to burn in many parts of the country. Baby birds and animals grow bigger in summer. They must be big and strong by the time the weather starts to cool.

AUTUMN MARCH, APRIL AND MAY

After summer comes autumn. In some places autumn is called 'fall'. The leaves of some trees turn red, yellow or brown. Then they fall off the trees. The fruit of some trees, such as apples and pears, is ready to be picked, and on farms crops are ready to harvest. The weather gets cooler. Football season begins in autumn. In the home gardens people plant carrots, cabbages and sprouts which will grow in time for winter.

WINTER JUNE, JULY AND AUGUST

After autumn comes winter. The weather is colder now. Rain and storms affect much of Australia. In some places it is very cold and snow falls on higher ground. Many trees have no leaves, some birds fly to warmer parts of the country or to other countries. People go to the mountains to ski and play in the snow during winter. Many people play soccer, rugby and Australian rules football in winter. Millions more watch the games on television or go to football stadiums to watch. Farmers plough their fields to get them ready for spring planting.