More about the Sun (non-statutory)
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use a range of secondary sources to research about the Sun.
Key learning points
- The Sun is a bright, hot ball of gas at the centre of our solar system
- The Sun is the closest star to Earth
- The Sun is the primary source of all the heat and light on Earth
- The surface of the Sun can reach 5505°C
- We can find out more about the Sun by carrying out research
Keywords
Sun - The Sun is a star and the centre of our solar system.
Solar system - The solar system is the name for our Sun and the planets which orbit around it.
Research - To research something is to find out about it or investigate it carefully.
Secondary sources - Secondary sources are texts, images or objects created using information gathered by others.
Common misconception
Pupils may think that the Sun is a planet.
Explain that the Sun is a star because, like other stars, it is a huge ball of glowing gas which has planets travelling around it.
Teacher tip
When learning about the Sun as a star, show children close-up images of other stars so that they can see the similarities between them and the Sun. It may surprise and interest them to see how small our Sun is compared with others in our galaxy.
Equipment
Access to the internet and/or non-fiction texts about the Sun.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the name of this object in space?
Q2.Which of these objects in space is the largest?
Q3.The 3D shape of the Sun is called a __________.
Q4.What is the surface of something?
Q5.What units of measure do we use for temperature?
Q6.Match the material to the correct state of matter.
liquid
gas
solid
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is at the centre of our solar system?
Q2.What is the primary source of heat and light on Earth?
Q3.What is the Sun?
Q4.What is the Sun made of?
Q5.Match the place to the correct temperature
37 degrees Celsius
5,505 degrees Celsius
3 degrees Celsius
-18 degrees Celsius
100 degrees Celsius
Q6.Which of these is not a good way of finding out more about the Sun?
To help you plan your 5 science lesson on: More about the Sun (non-statutory), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 science lesson on: More about the Sun (non-statutory), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 science lessons from the Earth, Sun and Moon unit, dive into the full primary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.