Lesson Plan

Sun Prints

Main Subject Area: Science

Duration of Lesson:  45 minutes

Keywords:

• Dime
• Energy
• Nickel
• Penny
• Quarter
• Sun

Brief Description:

Students will use coins to help them explore the sun as a source of renewable energy.

National Standard(s):

• Science as inquiry
• Physical science

Additional Subject Area Standard(s):

Objectives:

Students will investigate the sun as a source of renewable energy.

Students will be observe and describe a physical reaction.

Materials (online):

Materials (offline):

Red or black construction paper OR light sensitive paper (available at hobby or art stores)

A white crayon or a piece of chalk for each student

5-15 Coins for each student (they can bring them from home)

Sunshine

Coins Used in Lesson:

Currently circulating U.S. pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters

Grade Level(s):   K-2  

Procedures (online):

Procedures (offline):

1. Begin with a discussion of the word energy. Write these sentences on the board:

Energy helps us work. Everything we do in our life takes energy.

Energy makes everything in our lives work.

2. Ask the students where they can find energy? Food, water, electricity, the sun, the TV, lights, etc.

3. Discuss the sun and how it functions as an energy source. It can cook food, warm our bodies and help plants grow. The sun is always there and we can always get energy from it. Some other sources of energy are running out.

4. Introduce your students to an activity that will show that the sun is an energy source. Each student will get a piece of black construction paper and some coins. The students should first write their names on the paper in chalk or white crayon. They will then go outside in the sunshine and make a design by placing coins on their piece of paper. Have your students make their designs with their paper on the ground so it won’t have to be moved. Remember to keep the papers in a safe place since they have coins on them!

5. After the students leave their designs in the sun for a few minutes, have them bring their papers in and remove the coins. Ask them what they see. How did this happen? The energy from the sun faded the paper that wasn’t covered by the coins.

6. Students can dictate to an older student what happened when they left their design out in the sun. This can be attached to their picture.

Assessment / Evaluation:

Students can be evaluated on their participation in class, completing their design and the sentences they dictated about what happened to their design.

Differentiated Learning Options:

n/a