Extensive article that discusses the first principle of climate science, i.e., that the Sun is the primary energy source for the climate system of the Earth. Presents five concepts for this principle and explains each, providing...

This video segment adapted from NASA describes the basic characteristics of our star, the Sun. Includes background reading material and discussion questions. Video length: 1 min. 28 sec.

The students will understand the relationship between the Earth and the sun and how this relationship affects observable phenomena on Earth, such as the seasons. The activity will help students learn about these concepts and will...

The unit contains lessons and a presentation that allow learners to explore the Sun through images and investigate how magnetism from the Sun interacts with the Earth's magnetic field during space weather events.

Understand the role of the sun as the source of heat and light for living things on earth.

In this lesson, kids build a shelter from the sun and test it using a UV-sensitive bead animal they create. If the shaded animal changes colors, then your shelter did not work.

These hands-on activities are a great way for students to gain perspective on the relative sizes and distances of each planet, the relationship between the sun and Earth, and much more.

[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] This study guide summarizes key points about what the Sun's surface is like. Includes a few questions to check for understanding.

This simulation allows the user to see the sun's arc in the sky anywhere in the world at any time. By changing the season settings the user can see how seasons affect the height of the sun's arc.

Discover how the weather on the sun can affect things that happen here on the Earth.

Learn about the sun, the center of our solar system and the closest star to Earth.

In this science fair project, use a globe and a heat lamp to investigate how the angle of the Sun affects global warming. This project includes the objective, background questions, a list of all the materials you'll need, and the...

The Sun is the ultimate source of the energy that powers weather systems on Earth. Geomagnetic storms are sun-powered storms in the upper atmosphere, arising from energized particles that are periodically ejected by the Sun. Among other...

The following videos show sunspots using wavelengths of light that the human eye cannot see. Watch sunspots emerging on the earth's surface, a sunspot moving across the earth's surface, and the rotation of the sun as a sunspot evolves...

Site recounts how X-rays were discovered as well as who discovered them. Offers graphics, links to facts on this topic, a quiz, and teacher resources.

Basic information about the universe, its origin and composition. Also includes information about galaxies, stars, and the sun.

Learn fun facts and details about the geography and composition of Earth, the third closest planet to the sun and the only planet that contains life.

Plenty of cool activities about the Earth's rotation can be found here, such as tracing shadows, observing shadows during different times of the day, and tracking the sun's path in the sky to understand the rotation of the earth.

This 2-part resource details how the Earth absorbs just enough energy from the Sun to sustain life. Content explores incoming solar radiation and outgoing terrestrial radiation.

Students perform many inquiry activities related to Earth's orbit. Included are recording daily temperatures, observing the sun's path over several weeks, tracking sunrise and sunset times, and angle of sunlight. Diagrams make lessons...

A detailed overview of the history, mythology, and current scientific knowledge of each of the planets and moons in the solar system.

Students explore Mercury and Venus, the first and second planets nearest the Sun. They learn about the planets' characteristics, including their differences from Earth. Students also learn how engineers are involved in the study of...

This unit contains a series of lessons that allow young scholars to explore the effect of sunlight on Earth's natural surfaces of sand, soil, rock, and water. In addition, students explore how the color and material of a surface affects...

How far would you have to travel so that the light of the full sun would provide "daylight" no brighter than twilight on Earth? This project describes a method to verify the inverse square law: how light, sound, electrical signals, and...