Sun Lesson Plans

Students experiment with photovoltaic cells and determine the energy use of their appliances. In this renewable energy lesson, students calculate the energy emitted by a photovoltaic cell through an inquiry-based lab. They keep track of the energy they use at home and calculate how many photovoltaic cells they would need for their daily energy needs.

Fourth graders identify different sources of renewable and nonrenewable energy. In this energy instructional activity, 4th graders research about the pros and cons of using these resources. They rank household appliances according to energy usage and efficiency.

Students identify and describe the different types of energy and how it is transferred.  In this energy lesson students complete several activities including how to calculate joules, adding up wattage, and create a presentation on renewable energy. 

Students make a model sun. In this energy lesson, students discuss the sources of energy and receive energy from the sun. Students make stuffed suns and use them to decorate the classroom.

First graders investigate the use of energy resources in the community. Using the tools of research and surveys in order to gather information about home and business energy usage they analyze the information in order to come up with ways to conserve energy.

Fifth graders investigate energy. In this biology lesson plan, 5th graders will learn about energy, fossil fuels, and renewable and nonrenewable resources. Students will be participating in three lab activities which are described in detail.

Students explore how energy transforms into heat.  In this energy lesson plan students create models and find a need for fuel to make a Stirling engine. 

Students construct an Earth/Sun model of planet revolution that incorporates the orbital geometry concepts. They record Earth/Sun relative distance and Sun nadir observations acquired from model simulation of Earth's relative position and geometry at each solstice and equinox.

Students examine the effect of different types of light on the Earth. They discover the role of evaporation and the effects of the sun on the magnetosphere. They also observe different solar phenomena.

Students observe how the sun's rays can cause evaporation and discuss its role in the weather cycle. They discover what the sun's energy brings to plants. They examine how different types of technology can enhance the amount of solar energy.