Instructional Video

Why is the Sun Yellow and the Sky Blue?

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

Air is clear, so why do we see the sky as blue? The video explains the way light waves travel through the air and the result of our perceptions. It uses simple diagrams and illustrations to reinforce the variety of colors present versus what we view.

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CCSS: Adaptable
Additional Tags
Instructional Ideas
  • Introduce the lesson by giving pupils a small simple coloring sheet — grass, sun, sky, etc. — then discuss their color choices
  • Extend the lesson by teaching that ancient humans didn't see the color blue
Classroom Considerations
  • Relies on some prior knowledge of the way light travels and the varying wavelengths of colors
  • This video is hosted on YouTube
Pros
  • Includes subtitles in 10 languages
  • Extremely short length fits well as an attention grabber to begin your class 
Cons
  • None
Common Core