Science·Energy·conceptual
Sunlight warms things up
Make observations to determine the effect of sunlight on Earth's surface, noticing that sunlight warms the ground, water, and objects
Suggested ages 5–6
Learning journey
Your child is beginning to understand energy — observing how sunlight warms objects and surfaces, and designing simple structures to create shade and reduce warming effects.
Evidence of 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
Assessment prompt
Can Sunlight warms things up feel the difference between a sunny pavement and a shady one, and explain that sunlight warms up surfaces it shines on?
Standards alignment
K-PS3-1US · ngss-k5
K-PS3-1
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) K-5