This is an activity about electromagnetism and the Sun. First, learners will do a KWL activity using six vocabulary words. Next, they will build an electromagnet and investigate how it works. Finally, learners will relate the workings of their... (View More) electromagnet to a Solar Dynamics Observatory magnetogram image of the Sun. Per group of learners, this activity requires materials such as a length of insulated wire, alligator clips, a 2-D-battery holder, two D-batteries, and a nail. (View Less)

This is an activity about seasons. Learners compare the seasons though identifying seasonal activities and drawing scenes in each season. Then, they compare the temperature on thermometers left under a lamp for different lengths of time to explore... (View More) how Earth heats more when the Sun is in the sky for longer periods of time. Finally, learners use a flashlight and a globe to investigate how the spherical shape of Earth causes the seasons to be opposite in each hemisphere. This hands-on activity is an additional lesson as part of the book, Adventures in the Attic. (View Less)

This is an activity exploring the concept that distance affects how we perceive an object's size, specifically pertaining to the size of the Sun and the Moon as seen from Earth. Learners will complete a hands on activity where two balls of differing... (View More) sizes stand in for the Sun and the Moon. By moving the balls away from each other, students will determine how far the larger ball needs to be in order to make the two seem similar in size. They will also use the balls to demonstrate a solar eclipse. Lastly, learners will complete a worksheet explaining their findings. This is Activity 12 of a larger resource entitled Eye on the Sky. (View Less)

This is an activity about the rotation of the Earth and Sun, and the Earth's revolution around the Sun. In chalk, learners will draw the Sun-Earth system, complete with Earth's orbit, and then act out the rotation and revolution of a yearly cycle.... (View More) Learners will also complete a worksheet to reinforce visual understanding of this model. This activity requires an outdoor location with ample room and is Activity 6 of a larger resource entitled Eye on the Sky. (View Less)

This is an activity introducing the topic of eclipses with a focus on solar eclipses. Learners will first identify what they already know about eclipses. They will also vocalize any questions they may have concerning eclipses. Next, a book is read... (View More) out loud in class and students are asked to identify related vocabulary words for a Science Reading Wall as well as determine if any answers have been found for their initial questions. Lastly, learners will complete journal prompts to better identify concepts learned. This activity will require the acquisition of one of two listed books. This is Activity 10 of a larger resource, entitled Eye on the Sky. (View Less)

This is an activity about basic properties of the Sun. Learners will first identify what they already know about the sun. Then, a book is read out loud in class and students are asked to identify Sun-related vocabulary words. After the reading,... (View More) learners are asked to vocalize any questions they may have pertaining to the Sun. Lastly, learners will journal and identify what they learned. This activity will require the acquisition of 1 of 3 listed books. This is Activity 2 of a larger resource entitled Eye on the Sky. (View Less)

This is an activity about the Sun, Earth and Moon and their movements during solar and lunar eclipses. Students observe and manipulate a styrofoam ball model and simulate the movement of these bodies during the different kinds of eclipses. Learners... (View More) will also complete a worksheet to reinforce understanding of this model and concept. This activity requires a location with an open space approximately ten feet by ten feet in area, and is Activity 11 of a larger resource entitled Eye on the Sky. (View Less)

This is an activity about the rotation of the Earth and its revolution around the Sun, as well as the rotation of the Moon and its revolution around the Earth. Outside, in chalk, learners will draw the Sun and Earth system complete with Earth's... (View More) orbit. Learners will then add to the chalk drawing the placement of the Moon and the path of its orbit around the Earth. Volunteers will then act out the rotation and revolution of a yearly cycle of the Moon, Earth and Sun. Learners will also complete a worksheet to reinforce visual understanding of this model. This activity requires an outdoor location with ample room and is Activity 8 of a larger resource entitled Eye on the Sky. (View Less)