Instructional Video

Where Does The Sun Get Its Energy?

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

How does the sun give us light and heat? Discover what's really going on inside the centerpiece of our solar system in a brief video. The content includes common misconceptions about the sun's source of energy, how the simple elements inside the sun collide, and why the reaction is able to continue after nearly five billion years.

20 Views 17 Downloads
Additional Tags
Instructional Ideas
  • Ask individuals to write down their thoughts on where the sun's energy comes from before watching the video
  • The resource works well in both chemistry and physics classrooms to study fusion reactions as well as light, energy, and mass
Classroom Considerations
  • Younger pupils may need some explanation of Einstein's E=mc2 equation, which is referenced in the video
  • This video is hosted on YouTube
Pros
  • The demonstration of the interactions of protons within the sun is both entertaining and very accurate — great for visual learners
  • Video simplifies a very complex topic, making it more accessible for younger learners
Cons
  • None