Standard 5, Objective 1

Utah Core, 3rd Grade Science

Standard 5, Objective 1 
Provide evidence showing that the sun is the source of heat and light for Earth.

1. Compare temperatures in sunny and shady places. 
2. Observe and report how sunlight affects plant growth. 
3. Provide examples of how sunlight affects people and animals by providing heat and light. 
4. Identify and discuss as a class some misconceptions about heat sources (e.g., clothes do not produce heat, ice cubes do not give off cold). 

Demonstration:

After discussing sources of heat and light, ask kids to identify sources of light in our room. Answers include the lights, the doc cam, and the skylights. Show the kids that I have a switch to open and close the skylights. Have them predict what will happen as I hold down the switch. Demonstrate that the more open the skylight is, the more of the sun's light comes into our otherwise dark room.

Activity:

Place a pot of soil and a pot of water in a sunny spot outside. Place another two pots in a shady spot. Measure the soil and water in each spot. Make predictions about what will change in the temperatures when we return several hours later. Return and record observations.

Essential Questions:

1. What are all the primary heat and light sources in your home?

2. What are some previous misconceptions you had about heat sources? How did you correct them?