Sun is a Star
TEKS Objective
The student is expected to describe the Sun as a star composed of gases that provides light and heat energy for the water cycle.
Essential Understanding
The student knows that there are recognizable patterns in the natural world and among objects in the sky.
Science Background
The Sun: Nine Planets (website) - Brief description of the Sun and its properties.
The Sun
Nine Planets, www.nineplanets.org
Solar System Exploration: NASA (website) - Information, images, and facts about the Sun and our solar system.
Solar System Exploration
NASA, solarsystem.nasa.gov
The Water Cycle: US Geological Survey (website) - Detailed graphic illustrates the water cycle and how it is driven by energy from the Sun.
The Water Cycle
Georgia Water Science for Schools, US Geological Survey,water.usgs.gov/edu
Signature Lesson
Are All Stars Like the Sun? NASA (PDF) – Students learn that the Sun is a star like other stars in the sky, and describe characteristics of the Sun in their science journals.
- Supporting Lessons
- Extensions
- Assessment Ideas
- Literature Connections
- Related
TEKS - Additional Resources
Supporting Lessons
Sun As A Star: NASA (website) - Downloadable collection of activities from NASA and the American Museum of Natural History about the properties and benefits of the Sun.
Elaboration Lessons and Extensions
The Science of the Sun: NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory (PDF) - The “Size of Things” lesson, on page 33 of the educator guide, helps students understand that the Sun is the largest object in our solar system.
The Science of the Sun
Solar Dynamics Observatory, NASA, sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov
Assessment Ideas
Have students write and illustrate short stories about the Sun and how it powers Earth’s water cycle.
Literature Connections
Our Very Own Star: The Sun, NASA (downloadable)
Our Very Own Star
NASA, www.nasa.gov
Sun. Vogt G. (ISBN: 978-0736888929)
The Sun. Simon S. (ISBN: 978-0688092368)
Additional Resources
Solar and Heliospheric Observatory: European Space Agency and NASA (website) - Extensive catalog of downloadable images and videos of the Sun.
Solar and Heliospheric Observatory
European Space Agency and NASA, sohowww.nascom.nasa.gov
Solar Events: Yohkoh Public Outreach Project (website) - Images and videos of the Sun, produced by an X-ray telescope on board the Yohkoh satellite.
TEKS Navigation
Grade 3
Need Assistance?
If you need help or have a question please use the links below to help resolve your problem.
Comments