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PlayOwl

Science · Kindergarten

Sunlight and Shade

Why is the slide hot on a sunny afternoon? Children observe that sunlight warms the things it shines on, compare thermometer readings for sand and water in the sun and in the shade, and then design shade structures. They test which cover keeps an ice cube from melting longest and learn which materials block sunlight and which let it through.

  • 3 lessons
  • About 50 minutes
  • Sunlight and shade check: 5 questions
  • Ways to answer: choose an answer, put in order and sort into groups
See plans Included with Family, Teacher and School plans. Open in PlayOwl

What learners will discover

  • Explain that sunlight warms the things it shines on, so surfaces in the sun get warmer than surfaces in the shade.
  • Compare measurements of warmth in the sun and in the shade using a thermometer chart.
  • Design and test a shade structure that reduces warming, choosing materials that block sunlight.

Lessons

  1. Sunlight warms things 4 steps2 practiceabout 15 min
  2. Measure sun and shade 4 steps2 practiceabout 15 min
  3. Make some shade 5 steps2 practiceabout 20 min
  4. Sunlight and shade check 5 questions at the end

Keep exploring

Games to practice with

  • Habitat Builder 3DFind the right home for frogs, camels, polar bears and more.
  • Body ExplorerTap, match and label your way around the amazing human body.
  • Label LabPut the right labels on beautiful science diagrams, from bean plants to heart chambers.

More kindergarten science

Guide for grown-ups