Fall is a magical season that brings cooler days, longer nights, and changing leaves. Many people consider it to be the best season of the year, with pumpkin spice lattes and cozy sweaters making a grand return. To celebrate the beauty of fall, here are some interesting facts about this season that you can share with your students. These facts are perfect for morning meetings, bell-ringer activities, or even quick brain breaks throughout the day.
### General Facts About Fall
– Fall officially starts in the Northern Hemisphere in September and ends in December.
– In the Southern Hemisphere, fall begins in March and ends in June.
– The first day of fall is determined by the autumnal equinox, which usually falls on September 22 or 23.
– The Earth experiences two equinoxes each year, one in spring and one in fall.
– During the fall months, the Northern Hemisphere tilts farther away from the sun, resulting in shorter days and colder temperatures.
### Unique Facts About Fall
– The word “autumn” dates back to the 1300s and is the original name for the season. It is also commonly referred to as fall.
– Poets often described fall as “the fall of the leaves,” which eventually led to the shortened term “fall.”
– The harvest moon is the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox each year, aiding farmers in their late-night crop gathering.
– In the United States, Labor Day is considered the unofficial end of summer and the beginning of autumn.
– Football is a popular fall sport in the United States, with teams at various levels from professional to community leagues.
### Fall Facts About Nature and Wildlife
– Leaves turn orange in fall due to a change in daylight and temperature, causing trees to stop producing chlorophyll.
– Many people travel to areas with spectacular autumn foliage displays, like New England, to witness the beauty of fall leaves.
– Animals spend the fall months preparing for winter by storing food, with squirrels storing up to 3,000 nuts each.
– Some animals, like bears, gorge themselves in the fall to build up fat stores for winter hibernation.
– Migration is common among animals in the fall, with species like monarch butterflies traveling thousands of miles south to escape cold temperatures.
### Facts About Fall Holidays
– Halloween, celebrated on October 31 in the Northern Hemisphere, involves traditions like carving pumpkins and dressing up in costumes.
– Fall is the harvest season in many places, with Thanksgiving celebrations in both the United States and Canada.
– Veterans Day, observed on November 11, honors those who served in the armed forces.
– Many countries and cultures hold important celebrations during the fall months, such as DĂa de los Muertos, Diwali, Oktoberfest, and the Jewish High Holy Days.
Celebrate the beauty and wonder of fall by sharing these fascinating facts with your students. From the changing leaves to the harvest season to the array of fall holidays, there’s so much to learn and explore during this magical season.
