Using a Maori legend, How Maui Tamed the Sun, youngsters are introduced to the importance of sunlight to civilization. Teach them about nuclear fusion that occurs to produce the solar energy we later receive on Earth as electromagnetic radiation. If you have a computer lab available, have learners pair up to visit an interactive exploration of the electromagnetic spectrum. 

Concepts

electromagnetic spectrum, electromagnetism, solar energy, energy, nuclear fusion, the maori

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Additional Tags

maori, solar energy, nuclear fusion, electromagnetic spectrum, science

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Pros

• Combines language arts with earth science by using a Maori legend to introduce solar energy

Cons

• Lesson is underdeveloped and does not provide scaffolding of concepts; make sure to teach more details on how nuclear fusion occurs