Where's the Sun?

This lesson plan leads students through an observation and recording activity that shows the sun's apparent change in position during the day. Since this lesson plan is part of the NASA resources for classrooms, the information is quite reliable. A link to the Starchild website is included(scroll to the bottom of plan); there is lots of additional information there, at an age-appropriate level.

Weblink address (URL): 
Where's the Sun?

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

Objectives:

  • Identify the Sun as the source of Earth's light.
  • Observe and describe changes in the Sun's altitude and position.
  • Recognize that day and night are determined by our view of the Sun.

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Understanding
Differentiation suggestions: 

This activity should be done on a sunny day. It should be started as early in the morning as is possible and continued into the afternoon. You will need to locate directional South before beginning the activity.

Extension suggestions: 

Use for More Advanced Students:

  • The above activity can be modified for more advanced students. The same basic procedure should be followed, however the students should:
  • be taught to use a compass to locate South for themselves
  • make individual drawings
  • assume the responsibility for marking their location in a manner which will allow them to find that exact location throughout the day make and compare observations extending over a longer period of time.
  • New observations should be made as close as possible to the same times of day over a period of several months. Have students use the same sheet of paper and add on the new Sun locations. Different colors can be used for different weeks or months.

 

Helpful Hints

Materials:

  • Easel with sheet of large paper
  • Markers
  • Compass
  • Stick-on Dots

References

Contributors: 
Kay Jordan
Originator: 
Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation