Begin with a discussion on sunlight and its importance. Ask students what they know about the sun and how it helps us in our daily lives.
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The Light from the Sun
Learning Objectives
- Understand that sunlight is necessary for plants to make the food they need to live and grow.
- Explain why sunlight is important for animals, including humans, to get their food.
- Describe how sunlight helps living things to see during the day.
- Recognize that sunlight lights up the Earth during the day.
Introduction and Hook
Direct Instruction
Explain how sunlight is essential for plants to make food through photosynthesis, which in turn supports animal life.
Discuss how sunlight helps us see during the day and lights up the Earth.
Guided Exploration
Watch the video 'Heat and Light from the Sun' to understand how sunlight supports life on Earth by providing light and warmth.
Engage students with questions about how they use sunlight in their daily activities.
Hands-On Activity
Conduct an experiment to observe how sunlight affects plant growth. Plant seeds in two pots, place one in sunlight and the other in shade, and observe the differences over time.
Use the 'Observing the Heat from the Sun' assessment to explore how sunlight affects temperature by observing ice melting in different conditions.
Independent Practice
Have students draw a picture of their favorite activity that involves sunlight and write a sentence about why sunlight is important for it.
Check for Understanding
Ask students to share their drawings and explain how sunlight is important in their chosen activity.
Review and Reflection
Review the key points about the importance of sunlight for plants, animals, and humans.
Reflect on how life would be different without sunlight.
Assessment and Extension
Use the 'What’s in the Sky?' assessment to evaluate students' understanding of the sun's role in the sky.
Encourage students to explore further by observing how the sun's position changes throughout the day.
Try the Quiz
