Sunlight warms things up

CONCEPTUAL

Science›Energy|Ages 5—6|ID: mt_iGSfQg3g5c

Make observations to determine the effect of sunlight on Earth's surface, noticing that sunlight warms the ground, water, and objects

Mastery Evidence

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 [child] feel the difference between a sunny pavement and a shady one, and explain that sunlight warms up surfaces it shines on?”

Curriculum Standards1 alignment

K-PS3-1Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) K-5codes only

Standard code — full text not included in this dataset.

Prerequisites1

Seasonal changes
softAges 5—6

Show full prerequisite tree

Seasonal changes soft
Seasonal observation supports understanding sunlight warming effects
- Days, Weeks, Months & Years soft
  Observing and describing seasonal changes requires basic date and time vocabulary (months, seasons, year)
  - Ordering Events in Time hard
    Understanding days/months/years builds on sequencing events chronologically

Unlocks2

Building shade from the sun
hardAges 5—6
Sun-Driven Weather Systems
softAges 9—11