Spring. Summer. Autumn. Winter. Each season brings different kinds of weather that affect our lives and the world around us.

The seasons are caused by the way the Earth is tilted. The parts of the Earth tilted towards the sun get more of the sun's heat and light. The parts of the world, which are tilted away, get less of the sun’s heat and light.

The Earth takes a full year to go around the sun. As it does, places that are tilted towards the sun change.

During summer, the northern half of the Earth, including the UK is tilted towards the sun. The Earth’s tilt in summer means that our days are longer and so the sun is in the sky for more hours. The ground and air are heated, so the temperature is higher, and it feels warmer.

So we can play outside more. And more light means that plants can grow.

In autumn the UK begins to tilt away from the sun. With less sunlight, the temperature starts to drop and the days get shorter. Trees leaves start to change colour. The end of autumn can bring stormy conditions along with strong gales.

For some animals, like hedgehogs, finding food in the cold dark winter months can be difficult so they hibernate. This is where they go into a deep sleep which helps them save energy over winter.

In winter the sun is lowest in the sky. The angle of the Sun means that we don’t get as much light or heat and our days are at their shortest. As the temperature drops, we’re more likely to get snow, hail or sleet. Some trees lose their leaves and its too cold for most plants to grow.

In spring the UK begins to tilt back towards the sun again. During this time, the days get longer and it starts to get warmer. Storms are less damaging, and the longer days help plants grow. Some plants, like daffodils produce flowers, and trees make blossom and animals wake from hibernation.

So next time you’re playing out in the park or the garden, look around at the trees. Are the leaves changing colour? Are they falling to the ground? Are the branches looking bare? What signs of the season can you spot?