Activity 01
Inquiry Circle: The Melting Race
Groups place ice cubes in different spots: direct sunlight, under a tree's shade, and wrapped in a cloth. They predict which will melt first and observe the results to understand the sun's heat energy.
Explain how the sun provides energy for plants and animals.
Facilitation TipDuring the Melting Race, give each group identical ice cubes and timers so students can directly compare how sunlight affects melting rates in different locations.
What to look forGive students a drawing of the sun and Earth. Ask them to draw two arrows showing how the sun's energy reaches Earth and write one sentence explaining what that energy does for us.
AnalyzeEvaluateCreateSelf-ManagementSelf-Awareness
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Activity 02
Simulation Game: Solar Oven Snacks
Using a pizza box and foil, the class works together to build a simple solar oven. They place a piece of chocolate inside and watch it melt, demonstrating how we can use the sun's energy for heat.
Predict what would happen to Earth if the sun's energy disappeared.
Facilitation TipFor the Solar Oven Snacks, ask students to predict which oven will get hottest and why before testing, then discuss their observations together.
What to look forPose the question: 'What would happen to our playground if the sun disappeared for one day?' Ask students to share their ideas about light, heat, and what plants and animals might do.
ApplyAnalyzeEvaluateCreateSocial AwarenessDecision-Making
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Activity 03
Think-Pair-Share: Sun Safety
Show images of a sunny beach and a snowy day. Pairs discuss why we need sun protection (hats, sunscreen) in both scenarios, helping them realize the sun's energy is present even when it's cold.
Analyze how the sun's energy affects daily life on Earth.
Facilitation TipDuring the Sun Safety Think-Pair-Share, provide scenario cards with images to spark discussion about when and how to protect ourselves from the sun.
What to look forShow students pictures of different scenarios (e.g., a plant growing, a person feeling warm, a dark room, a cold winter day). Ask students to point to the pictures that show the sun's energy at work and explain why.
UnderstandApplyAnalyzeSelf-AwarenessRelationship Skills
Generate Complete Lesson→A few notes on teaching this unit
Teachers should avoid overcomplicating the sun’s role by focusing on observable effects like light and warmth rather than orbital mechanics. Use simple models and repeated observations to reinforce that the sun’s energy is consistent, even if our experience of it changes with the seasons. Encourage students to connect the sun’s energy to their daily lives, such as feeling warmth on their skin or seeing their shadow change throughout the day.
Successful learning looks like students explaining how the sun’s energy reaches Earth, describing its role in keeping us warm and allowing us to see, and recognizing that the sun’s energy is present year-round. They should also share how people use or celebrate the sun in different ways.
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
During the Melting Race, watch for students who assume the sun only provides energy when it feels hot outside.
Ask students to feel the temperature of the ice cubes before and after exposure to sunlight, then discuss why the ice melts even if the air feels cold.
During the Solar Oven Snacks, students may think the flashlight or lamp represents the sun’s energy in the same way as sunlight.
Hold up the flashlight and say, 'This is like the sun, but real sunlight is much stronger. Feel the difference between the flashlight’s warmth and the sunlight coming through the window.'
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