Science·Organisms & Life Processes·conceptual
Energy from Food & the Sun
Use models to describe that energy in animals' food was once energy from the sun, transferred through plants or other organisms
Suggested ages 10–11
Learning journey
Your child is exploring how living things get and use energy — from understanding how plants make food from sunlight and air, to learning about the human circulatory system and how lifestyle choices affect our bodies.
Evidence of understanding
- Explain that plants capture energy from sunlight to make food (photosynthesis)
- Trace an energy pathway: sun → plant → animal → another animal
- Explain that animals use food energy for body repair, growth, movement, and warmth
Assessment prompt
Can Energy from Food & the Sun trace the energy in their breakfast cereal all the way back to the sun, explaining each step?
Standards alignment
5-PS3-1US · ngss-k5
5-PS3-1
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) K-5