While our understanding of the Sun has evolved, from ancient myths in cultures across the globe to data captured by super-powered telescopes, one thing about the Sun is universal – this great ball of gas is the star of our solar system!
The Sun is central to how we live; it grows our crops, heats our planet, and lights up our lives every day. But how much do you really know about its place in our galaxy or impact on life here on Earth? For young children, taking a walk outside at different times of day to observe how light changes over time is a great way to start exploring solar science. As kids get older and their understanding of the Sun develops, we can engage them with deeper concepts like sunlight being used to measure distance, harnessed to create renewable energy, and the how scientific phenomena of reflection and refraction work.
Shine a light on solar science and safety with the engaging videos below. Then encourage your child’s curiosity using space-themed crafts, interactives, and hands-on activities.
Jump to article sections:
Explore Scientific Facts About the Sun
The Energy From the Sun | Ready Jet Go!
Grades K-2
Not even Jet and his friends can escape the summer heat. In this clip from Ready Jet Go!, an exhausted Mindy asks Jet why the sun is so hot. Jet explains that the sun is actually a bright star, and that it is responsible for all life on Earth. Because the Earth is not too hot and not too cold, scientists sometimes call it a “Goldilocks planet”.
The Sun | Science Trek
Grades K-5
The sun is a medium sized dwarf star in the Milky Way galaxy and it is what fuels all life on our planet. Find out how the sun was formed, what its layers are, and how it impacts life here on Earth.
Galileo: Sun-Centered System
Grades 6-12
Before the 17th century, people generally believed that Earth was at the center of the universe. Galileo, however, was not afraid to challenge existing beliefs when he published his work in support of the Sun-centered, or heliocentric, Copernican theory. In this video segment adapted from NOVA, learn about the two opposing worldviews and the strong piece of evidence Galileo offered to support the heliocentric theory.
How the Sun Impacts Life on Earth | NOVA Universe Revealed: Age of Stars
Grades 9-12
Learn about the Sun’s energy and consider its impacts on Earth, with this video excerpt from NOVA Universe Revealed: Age of Stars. Use this resource to provide opportunities to use evidence to support claims about the importance of the Sun to life on Earth.
Women Lead a Radical Experiment in Early Solar Power | The Sun Queen
Grades 9-12
Discover how scientist Mária Telkes, architect Eleanor Raymond, and philanthropist Amelia Peabody created the world’s first solar-powered house in Dover, Massachusetts, in 1948 in these clips adapted from The Sun Queen | American Experience. The Dover Sun House, constructed without a furnace, kept a family of three warm over several New England winters and brought media attention to both Telkes and solar power.
Learn About Sun Safety
How Effective Is Your Sunscreen?
Grades 3-8
Summer is for fun in the sun — and wearing sun block! As a seasonal experiment, test which sunscreens work best at protecting us from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Gross Science | What Really Causes Sunburns?
Grades 9-12
Learn about the cause of sunburns, in this video from NOVA’s Gross Science series. Sunlight is made up of many types of radiation: infrared, visible, and ultraviolet (UV). UV radiation can damage skin cells by causing mutations in DNA. An inflammatory response to repair the damage causes redness and peeling skin—a sunburn.
Crafts, Activities & More
Make Sun Prints
Grades PreK-1
When sunlight interacts with our bodies, it warms us. When sunlight interacts with light-sensitive paper, it changes the color of the exposed paper and leaves a silhouette (like a shadow) of any object placed on top of the paper. In this activity, observe the sun’s energy while also experiencing nature and making art!
Exploring Space: 10 Books for Little Astronauts
Grades PreK-3
Almost every child has questions about space. What happens to the sun at night? Why does the moon change shape? What are shooting stars? How do astronauts live in space? Is there life out there? Here are ten books that can help answer their questions… and perhaps inspire new ones!
Make Your Own Sundial
Grades K-3
A very long time ago (long before there were digital clocks and mobile phones), people used a sundial to tell time. A sundial may consist of a round plate with a vertical stick, called a gnomon, that casts a shadow on the dial. Make your own sundial with this fun and easy DIY project.
Why Do We Have Seasons?
Grades 3-12
Explore what causes seasons on Earth in this interactive adapted from NASA materials that features four cities at different latitudes. Use this resource to view how Earth’s axial tilt causes seasons from different perspectives and to develop and use models of sunlight received at Earth’s surface.
Life Cycle of Stars
Grades 9-12
Make solar observations in this interactive data-viewer tool developed by NASA. Access authentic satellite data, view images of solar events, and create your own videos of solar features and activity in near-real time or any time from the past two full solar cycles. Use this resource to visualize solar phenomena at different time and spatial scales and to provide opportunities to make evidence-based claims about the Sun’s dynamic nature.
For even more stellar games and educational resources for young learners, go to the Exploring Space at Home collection on PBS KIDS for Parents and the space themed Summer Camp collection on PBS LearningMedia.