K-PS3 Energy

Simple Definition 

Activity

This standard chiefly concerns sun and earth interaction. Bluntly, how does the sun effect objects on earth. 

Activity 1:

Set up two glasses of water, one on a windowsill, another in the shade within the classroom. If the class has a fridge or freezer, place a third there as well. Cover the glasses with plastic wrap and let them sit for a while while doing other activities (1-2 hours would be plenty, less on a hot day). Revisit the glasses and note the differences between them, and relate that to how the sun feels on the students skin. How does that relate to other animals? (If the conversation turns to it, you could mention the cold blooded vs. warm blooded organisms as well) Place the glass that is in the sun in the shade and let it cool. Drops should begin to form, and the conversation could be brought to rain and condensation. Alternatively, the cold glass could be put in the sun, and warmed shifting the conversation to warming waters, or melting ice caps. To incorporate scientific practices perhaps have students record the temperatures in each glass and how they change in each condition.

Activity 2:

Set up two identical plants, one in direct sunlight, another that only gets sun part of the day. Have the students observe the plants each day, and they can be responsible for watering them each the same amount (with supervision of course). Chart the plants growth by measuring it every few days with a ruler. Which grows faster? What does that mean for farming and agriculture?