Let's create continuous conversations about climate change education: Spreading the Sediment of Science!

What the Sun Does for Me

Provided by: Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education |Published on: August 7, 2023

Lesson Plans Grades k-2, 3-5

Synopsis

This activity is a simple way to teach students about the Sun's importance to plants, animals, and people.
The worksheet includes five spaces for students to draw or write and the teacher guide provides tips for tracking the Sun to tell time or making a Sun mobile.

Subjects: Science

Authors: Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education, University of Wisconsin Stevens Point K-12 Energy Education Program

Region: North America, USA - Midwest, United States, Global, Wisconsin

Languages: English

Positives

This lesson plan contains a worksheet that urges students to think about the sun's role in their lives.
This lesson plan lets students take an active role in the learning process.

Prerequisites

Students need to know the four cardinal points on a compass.
Teachers should be on the lookout for sunny days in their city's forecast for the sundial activity.
You may have more advanced students take notes in the location of your choice.
More information about this lesson can be found in this guide.

Differentiation & Implementation

The lesson could be altered for students who aren't literate yet by using the suggestion to have students draw what the Sun does instead of writing it.
If students have no prior knowledge of the Sun's role in plant growth, the teacher can go over key aspects of photosynthesis before moving on to other parts of the lesson.
If students are struggling with the "What the Sun Does for Me" activity, the teacher could ask probing questions to help students understand how the sun impacts their lives.
This lesson could support a classroom discussion on how the Sun may harm people if they don't wear protective clothing or sunscreen.
Check out KEEP's Solar Load kit to support this lesson. This kit allows students to explore how solar panels can be used to collect sunlight and turn it into clean, renewable electricity.

Scientist Notes

Teaching Tips

Standards

Resource Type and Format