AstronomyThe Sun Gives Us Light and Warmth
Lumi the glowing guide stands in a sunny green park, shading her eyes and pointing up at a big yellow Sun warming the smiling grass, trees, and a happy sunflower below.
- Name the Sun as a star that we see in the daytime sky.
- Explain that the Sun gives Earth light so we can see during the day.
- Describe how the Sun gives Earth warmth so our skin feels warm.
- Identify one way sunlight or warmth helps living things on Earth.
Key terms
- Sun
- The closest star to Earth, which gives our planet both light and warmth.
- light
- The brightness that lets our eyes see the things around us.
- warmth
- The cozy feeling of heat, like sunlight on your skin.
- star
- A giant glowing ball of hot gas in space that makes its own light.
- living things
- Plants, animals, and people that grow, need food, and stay alive.
The Sun Gives Us Light
The Sun's light travels all the way across space and reaches Earth every day. That light is what makes the daytime sky bright, so we can see grass, trees, toys, and one another. Without the Sun's light, the world would be dark. Because Earth keeps spinning slowly like a top, our part of Earth sometimes turns away from the Sun, and that is when night comes.
The Sun Gives Us Warmth
Besides light, the Sun also sends warmth to Earth. When you stand outside on a sunny day, you can feel the heat on your skin, and that warm feeling comes from the Sun. This warmth is important for living things. Plants need both sunlight and warmth to grow tall and green, and that same warmth helps animals and people stay comfortable and healthy.
Worked examples
Decide if rain is something the Sun gives us.
- Remember the Sun gives Earth two main gifts: light and warmth.
- Rain comes from water in Earth's clouds, not from the Sun.
- So rain is not a gift from the Sun.
Answer: No — rain comes from clouds, while the Sun gives us light and warmth.
Explain why plants need the Sun.
- Recall that plants need light and warmth to grow.
- Both of these come from the Sun.
- So without the Sun, plants could not grow tall and green.
Answer: Plants need the Sun because its light and warmth help them grow.
Activity
Sort each card — does the Sun give us this, or not?
Practice
Decide whether bright daytime light is something the Sun gives us.
Tell one way the Sun helps living things on Earth grow.
Common mistakes to avoid
- The Sun is a giant light bulb people made.The Sun is a natural star that formed in space long before people existed.
- Something hot cannot also give off light.Many hot things glow brightly; the Sun gives both light and warmth at once.
Check your understanding
What is the Sun?
What does the Sun give Earth?
Why do plants need the Sun?
Mia thinks the Sun is so hot it cannot give off light. Is Mia right?
Recap
The Sun is the closest star to Earth, and it shines in the daytime sky giving us two important gifts: light so we can see, and warmth we feel on our skin. Plants, animals, and people all need the Sun's light and warmth to grow and stay healthy. Rain, though, comes from clouds, not the Sun.
Reflect
How does it feel to stand in warm sunshine, and what does it remind you of?