Summary
Explains that the sun is the primary energy source for life on Earth and shows how solar energy drives weather, powers photosynthesis, and warms the planet's surface.
Viewer safety
All ages
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
Discussion
- What would happen to life on Earth if the sun suddenly disappeared?
- How does the sun's energy get from the sun to a plant to you?
- Name two ways solar energy affects your daily life — not counting electricity.
- Why is the sun considered the 'ultimate' source of most energy on Earth?
Quick work-a-long
Vocabulary: solar energy, photosynthesis, radiate, absorb, atmosphere.
Try it: Place a dark piece of paper and a white piece of paper in sunlight for five minutes. Touch both. What do you notice? What does this tell you about how surfaces absorb solar energy?