The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

Sun Absorption & Reflection

Sun Absorption & Reflection

A 6th grade STEM lesson

Kirstin Udall

7/10/2023

Notes for teachers

Students will use the knowledge they gained in this lesson to create a final model of a playground or park!

​

This is a very hands-on and engaging lesson for students!

List of Materials

​

• Globe or world map
• Light source representing the sun
• Thermometers.
• Black construction paper
• White construction paper
• Clear plastic containers, charger cups
• Water
• Pencil and paper

​

Project materials

• Poster Board or whiteboard
• Markers

​

Standards

ELA

​

Writing

6.W.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.

​

Speaking and Listening

6.SL.4 6.SL.5 6.SL.6

Present claims and findings, sequencing ideas logically and using pertinent descriptions, facts, and details to accentuate main ideas or themes; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.

• ​
• ​

Science

6.P4U2.5: I can analyze how humans use technology to store (potential) and/or use (kinetic) energy.

​

6.E1U1.6: I can investigate and construct an explanation demonstrating that radiation from the Sun provides energy and is absorbed to warm the Earth’s surface and atmosphere.

​

Math

6.SP.B.5: Summarize numerical data sets in relation to their context by:

a. Reporting the number of observations.

b. Describing the nature of the attribute under investigation including how it was measured and its units of measurement.

​

Objectives:

​

Students will learn about the composition of the Sun and how it produces energy.

​

Students will investigate and construct an explanation demonstrating that radiation from the sun provides energy and is absorbed to warm the earth's surface and atmosphere.

​

Students will plan and create a model demonstrating knowledge of the sun’s radiation effects on matter.

Agenda

Day 1: 60 minutes

Phenomenon, Think Wonder activity 15 minutes

Color Sun Absorption investigation 30 minutes

Guided research begins 15 minutes (split) and continues next class period

​

Day 2 : 60 minutes

Continue guided research and reference information

Project assignment:

Work on park model

The Phenomenon: Study the following images.

​

​

As labeled, A and B: solar flares, C and D: sunspots, E and F: coronal mass ejections. Source: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and Solar Dynamics Observatory.

​

Make a list of observations. Try to come up with at least three words to describe the surface of the sun.

Hands-on Activity Instructions

Investigate Solar Radiation - 30 minutes

​

Divide the class in the small groups and provide each group the following materials: Light source, thermometers, black and white construction, paper, clear, plastic containers, water, pencils, and paper.

​

​

• Fold each piece of construction paper in half the long way.
• Tape the long end and one short end completely shut so that the pieces of paper make skinny pockets.
• Make a graph on a sheet of lined paper. Along the left, make a column listing the construction paper by color (white, red, green, blue, black). Along the top, make a row of numbered column headings, 0-5.
• Make sure all of the thermometers read the same temperature and write this starting temperature in the “0” column next to each color on your table.
• Put one thermometer inside each pocket. Then take everything outside and set the pockets down next to each other in the sun.
• Every 10 minutes, peek at each thermometer and write down the temperature on your chart. Do this 5 times.

Do you think the colors of earth affect the heat it can absorb?

Write a report of your findings.( Introduction, claim, evidence)

​

Constructing an explanation 15 minutes.

​

​

​

Does color affect sun absorption?

Globe or world map (optional)

Light source representing the sun

Thermometers (enough for 5 per group)

Black construction paper

White construction paper

Green construction paper

Blue construction paper

Red construction paper

Tape

Pencil and paper

Timer or stopwatch

Energize your brain power

Watch the video to understand how Earth absorbs sunlight.

Click the link to view absorption models. Pay close attention and focus on the model titled How human activities influence the absorption and reflection of sunlight.absorption and reflection article

​

Solar Geometry click here and discover when the best times to get maximum solar energy

Assessment

Project Assignment:

Using the links to article information, and results from investigation students will draw or build a model (with color) for a park or playground that possesses the following items and conditions:

​

Play equipment that will stay cool

Shaded or reflective area to gather

seating/ benches

sidewalks

plants and trees

water feature

​

Label each area and write a few sentences that describe it, and explain your reasons for your colors and design.

Rubric for Project

Differentiation

Flexible grouping; put struggling readers with a strong captain or partner.

​

Provide extra resources including a park design video and books.

​

Provide a template for a park design.

​

​

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

​

Solar Power - Activity - TeachEngineering

​

Explore Albedos Explore Albedo | MyNASAData

Solar Oven Smores - Make S’Mores With a Solar Oven! | NASA Climate Kids

​