Download Lesson #3: The Sun - Center for Learning in Action

Earth and Space Science
Lesson #3: The Sun
Time Frame: 1 session of 30 minutes
Learning Standards:
The Earth in the Solar System
13) Recognize that the earth is part of a system called the “solar system”
that includes the sun (a star), planets, and many moons. The earth is the third
planet from the sun in our solar system.
Skills of Inquiry:
- class discussion and participation
Student will be able to:
1) Know that the Sun is at the center of the solar system.
2) Know that the Sun rotates or spins on its axis.
3) Know that the Earth also rotates or spins on its axis.
4) Know that the Earth rotates and revolves around the Sun.
5) Know that it takes one year for the Earth to complete its orbit around the Sun.
Background Information for Teacher:
The Sun is the star at the center of the Solar System. The Earth and other matter
(including other planets, asteroids, meteoroids, comets, and dust) orbit the Sun,
which by itself accounts for about 98.6% of the Solar System's mass. The mean
distance of the Sun from the Earth is approximately 149,598,000 kilometers
(92,956,000 mi), and its light travels this distance in 8 minutes and 19 seconds.
But it varies throughout the year from a minimum of 147,100,000 kilometers
(91,400,000 mi) on 3 January, to a maximum of 152,100,000 kilometers
(94,500,000 mi) on 4 July. Energy from the Sun, in the form of sunlight, supports
almost all life on Earth via photosynthesis, and drives the Earth's climate and
weather.
Anticipatory Set: Choose a location in the classroom with ample room
(approximately 10’x10’) to demonstrate the Sun-Earth model. Students may want
to sit in a circle or semi-circle with the model in the middle.
Activity:
1. After having the students sit down, place the lamp where all students can see
it. Ask the students what they think the lamp represents.
2. Review that the Sun spins in the center of the solar system and that the
planets are always orbiting around it. The Sun's position is like the hub of a
bicycle wheel, with planets spinning around it counterclockwise. Turn the lamp
on and turn the classroom lights off to crate a light emitting "Sun."
3. Place a 3" ball on a bamboo skewer to represent the Earth. Hold the skewer
vertically so that the Earth can be held from above and rotated. Explain that the
Earth spins counterclockwise, and that it is smaller than the Sun. Note: Stress to
students that the Sun-Earth model is not to correct scale. Explain that distances
in space are vast, but that this is a model to help see the big picture.
4. Demonstrate the Earth orbiting around the Sun. Start by walking
counterclockwise in a circle around the Sun (approximately 4 feet away from the
Sun ball or lamp at the center). Turn the skewer counterclockwise to demonstrate
the Earth’s spin, while orbiting the Sun. Ask students to identify both kinds of
motion: rotation and revolution.
5. Ask students how long it takes for the Earth to revolve all the way around the
Sun. To make this concept easier to grasp, choose a point on the Earth’s line of
orbit. Explain that if the Sun were at this point on the first day of this school year,
it would take the entire year—fall, winter, spring, summer and back to fall when
the next school year starts—for the Earth to complete its long trip around the
Sun!
Closure: 1) Ask the students what they have learned or any other facts they
know about the Sun. Here are the most important facts that they should know:
 is our closest star
 is at the center of the solar system
 spins slowly compared to the Earth
 spins counterclockwise when seen from above with North being up
 is very hot
 is huge (much bigger than Earth!)
 is our light source
 shines everyday – always
2) Remind students that the Sun will need to be a part of their final solar system
diagram, therefore they may want to take a few notes or sketch the sun in
relation to the planets, etc.
Assessment: Class participation and class discussion.
Resources and Materials: 3-inch Styrofoam ball for Earth, bamboo skewer (12–
14 inches), Lamp with 200 watt bulb with shade removed to serve as the Sun,
Optional extension cord for lamp.