University of Waikato
Māui and the Sun
Using a Maori legend, How Maui Tamed the Sun, youngsters are introduced to the importance of sunlight to civilization. Teach them about nuclear fusion that occurs to produce the solar energy we later receive on Earth as...
Curated OER
Space: Our Star, the Sun, and Its Friends, the Planets
Learners examine the solar system. For this space lesson, students identify the order of the planets and their relative size to the sun. Learners create a scale model of our solar system using a variety of household objects.
Curated OER
Alternative Energy Resources
In this alternative energy resources activity, students identify the ore that is commonly used in nuclear power plants and how it is processed. Then they determine the reaction that occurs when uranium atoms are split. Students also...
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
No Fossils in This Fuel
Yeast and sugar go beyond the pantry and into a fuel experiment. Use these common baking ingredients to assist your class in creating ethanol, a natural fuel. Pupils observe the process and gather information to elaborate...
Curated OER
Stars Lab
After making a list of top 10 brightest stars, your class will learn to classify the colors of the hottest and coolest stars. The spectral classes will help with understanding of nuclear fusion and the life of a star.
Curated OER
Here Comes the Sun
Third graders watch a video on the solar system and examine the role of the sun. As a class, they complete a KWL chart and make different color temperature pockets to use during their experiment. In groups, they make predictions about...
Curated OER
Radiation Crossword Puzzle
In this radiation instructional activity, students complete a crossword puzzle by figuring out the vocabulary terms associated with the 25 clues given.
Curated OER
Uranium On a Diet
Students examine how nuclear reactions differ from other chemical reactions they have studied. They add up atomic masses of both the product and reactant side of an example of uranium decomposition, demonstrating mass loss involved.
Curated OER
CONVECTION
Students experiment to produce a visual convection current in the classroom and compare it to the images taken of convection cells in the Sun. They analyze the source of the Sun's energy and this type of energy transport.
Curated OER
Solar S’Mores
Students use the energy of the sun to make s'mores. In this solar energy instructional activity, students gather the listed materials and follow the procedures to find out if they can make s'mores using solar energy.
Curated OER
Solar S'Mores
Students see that solar energy is the energy given off by the sun. They explain that when light energy is absorbed by objects it is changed to heat energy and that dark-colored objects absorb more light and store more heat from sunlight.
Curated OER
Solar S’Mores
Students cook with the power of the sun. For this solar energy lesson, students explore solar cooking as they apply scientific principles to cook s'mores.
Curated OER
Cold Fusion?
Students apply their knowledge of relativity and nuclear radiation to the concept of cold fusion. They also read the article from the website listed in the related and resource websites and discuss the article with the class.
Texas State Energy Conservation Office
Unit 2 - Section 2 - Fuels for Everything
In this alternative energy activity, 6th graders read and study the varying types of fuel. Students read examples and ways that alternative fuel can be used.
Curated OER
Knowledge Quiz: The Universe
In this universe quiz worksheet, learners complete a set of 10 multiple choice questions that cover a variety of concepts about the universe: constellations, black holes, the solar system, etc.
Curated OER
Resources
In this resources worksheet, students review renewable and nonrenewable resources. Students also review how resources can be conserved. This worksheet has 7 terms in a crossword puzzle, 3 true or false, and 10 short answer questions.
Curated OER
Capturing Renewable Energy
Pupils watch a video segment on the engineering design process, then design a storage system for renewable energy. Students brainstorm and research ways in which renewable energies such as solar and wind power can be stored.
Curated OER
Capturing Renewable Energy
Pupils watch a video segment on the engineering design process, then design a storage system for renewable energy. Students brainstorm and research ways in which renewable energies such as solar and wind power can be stored.
Curated OER
Capturing Renewable Energy
Students watch a video segment on the engineering design process, then design a storage system for renewable energy. Students brainstorm and research ways in which renewable energies such as solar and wind power can be stored.
Curated OER
ENERGY USE ADDS UP!
Students investigate the amount of power used in your home and what appliances use the most. They analyze the concept that producing energy costs us money, affects our environment and produces waste products. Students come up with three...
Curated OER
Solar S'Mores
Students investigate solar energy. In this solar energy lesson, students compare how heat is absorbed in light-colored objects and dark-colored objects by making S'mores.
Atomic Archive
Atomic Archive: Nuclear Fusion
From the Atomic Archive - the online companion to the award-winning CD-ROM. This page defines nuclear fusion and depicts the process by an informative diagram. Includes numerical values which describe the typical energy values for fusion...
NASA
Nasa: The Sun's Energy Source
This site, which is provided by NASA, gives some scientific history and a clear and detailed explanation of nulcear forces and nuclear fusion.
Carnegie Mellon University
Telstar: The Sun and Its Energy
The sun's energy is the primary source of energy for all surface phenomena and life on Earth. Combined with the material of the Earth (including the molecules held close by the Earth's gravitational force called the atmosphere), this...