Sunlight warms things up

ScienceEnergyAges 5–6

Make observations to determine the effect of sunlight on Earth's surface, noticing that sunlight warms the ground, water, and objects

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Teaching Table

Set out your lesson

Compare sunlight and shade while separating sample data from actual observations.

Activity

Follow this model in an accessible mode before attempting independent work. Graph ordering is not learner mastery; revisit prerequisites if the guided task still needs full modeling.

Policy

Check readiness rather than assuming source graph order establishes attainment.

Adult chooses two identical safe surfaces and uses a suitable thermometer if available. Never touch hot pavement, stare at the Sun or stay in uncomfortable heat. If safe equipment is absent, use the data case only. Open Show (S), then Guided (G), then Try (T). Hide earlier work and keys before Try. Use only the supplied stage material; do not invent additional cards. Pause or split the session if needed.

Materials are ready in each step. Use them on screen or print just the current step. Put teaching examples aside before the learner tries.

What this lesson covers and its limits

These are bounded opportunities, not learner attainment. Partial and blocked source requirements remain so.

partial: Make observations to determine the effect of sunlight on Earth's surface, noticing that sunlight warms the ground, water, and objects
Supplied-data reasoning only unless a safe real investigation occurs; no actual temperature observation claimed.
partial: Observe that surfaces in sunlight feel warmer than those in shade
Supplied-data reasoning only unless a safe real investigation occurs; no actual temperature observation claimed.
partial: Describe that sunlight provides warmth (heat energy) to Earth's surface
Supplied-data reasoning only unless a safe real investigation occurs; no actual temperature observation claimed.
partial: Compare temperatures of surfaces in sun vs shade using touch or a thermometer
Supplied-data reasoning only unless a safe real investigation occurs; no actual temperature observation claimed.
partial: Can {{name}} feel the difference between a sunny pavement and a shady one, and explain that sunlight warms up surfaces it shines on?
Supplied-data reasoning only unless a safe real investigation occurs; no actual temperature observation claimed.

Supplied-data reasoning only unless a safe real investigation occurs; no actual temperature observation claimed.

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Compare sunlight and shade while separating sample data from actual observations.

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Check understanding

Observe that surfaces in sunlight feel warmer than those in shade
Describe that sunlight provides warmth (heat energy) to Earth's surface
Compare temperatures of surfaces in sun vs shade using touch or a thermometer

“Can your child feel the difference between a sunny pavement and a shady one, and explain that sunlight warms up surfaces it shines on?”

Curriculum record

Type: Conceptual
Subject: Science
Domain: Energy
Age range: Ages 5–6

Standards

ngss-k5:K-PS3-1