Cross-Curricular Lessons on the Sun
With the beginning of summer just a few days away, we’re getting ready for the warmest time of the year. From the mountains to the beaches and everything in between, the sun is out in full force. Here are 5 cross-curricular lesson ideas for your students to learn about the historical significance and scientific importance of the sun. Be sure to visit our Units on the Sun, the Maya, Skin, and beyond for even more resources.
Science
As explained in Math, Science, Writing, and Art, the Maya accurately calculated the number of days Venus takes to travel around the sun—approximately 584 days. Have students research and make a class list of how long other planets take to travel around the sun. Have students make up word problems using the information from the chart, such as “How much longer does it take Venus to travel around the sun than it takes Earth?” or “Which planet takes the longest time to travel around the sun?”
Math
In 430 B.C., Greek scientist Anaxagoras became the first to state that the Sun was a flaming rock. By reading the Ancient Sun Worshipers Topic, your class will learn how that was a significant change from other ancient civilizations. Have your class use the date 430 B.C. to do some math problems, such as: How many years ago was 430 B.C.? How many years are there between 430 B.C. and A.D. 430? What year is 430 years from now?
Geography
Several countries are mentioned throughout our Sun Unit. Among them are Japan, Mexico, England, China, Egypt, France, and Canada. Have students locate each country on a map to demonstrate that the Sun is worshiped or seen as very important by cultures around the world.
Art
While reading from our Skin Unit, especially the Topic called Skin Problems, students will learn that too much exposure to the sun’s rays can cause big problems down the road. In groups, have your class create informative posters about the importance of wearing sunscreen. Afterward, they can present their work and explain why they made certain creative decisions.
Science
Have each student research one planet in our solar system, shown at the bottom of Rotation, Revolution, and Eclipses. For each planet, students should find the size, distance from the Sun, how many days it takes to orbit the Sun, how many moons it has, and other facts. Compile students’ findings in a class chart. Ask students questions about the planets based on the chart.
Cross-Curricular Lessons on the Sun Kids Discover
