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Examine the sun's role to introduce a variety of topics such as energy conversion, chemical changes, light waves, alternative energy, radiant energy, and photovoltaic cells. Materials support 16 student pairs. Includes instructions and a review of right triangle math.

Explore nuclear fusion, daily and seasonal changes in the sun's angle, the sun's scale and output, and methods of capturing solar energy. Examine the sun's role to introduce topics such as energy conversion, chemical changes, light waves, alternative energy, radiant energy, and photovoltaic cells. Materials support 16 student pairs. Includes instructions and a review of right triangle math. Black light, scientific calculators, and empty aluminum cans needed but not supplied.

Note: Activities 1 to 3 do not require sunlight and can be performed indoors. Activities 4 to 6 require sunny days. Check the weather and schedule activities accordingly.

Activity 1: Modeling Nuclear Fusion
Activity 2: Light from the Sun
Activity 3: Size and Scale
Activity 4: Angle and Path of the Sun
Activity 5: Radiation, Conduction, and Convection
Activity 6: Harnessing Solar Energy

This activity helps you teach the following Next Generation Science Standards:
4-PS3-2 Make observations to provide evidence that energy can be transferred from place to place by sound, light, heat, and electric currents.

HS-PS1-8 Develop models to illustrate the changes in the composition of the nucleus of the atom and the energy released during the processes of fission, fusion, and radioactive decay.

HS-PS4-5 Communicate technical information about how some technological devices use the principles of wave behavior and wave interactions with matter to transmit and capture information and energy.