3-5: Energy from the Sun

A. Getting Energy

You just learned that the Sun is the closest star to the Earth. What impact do you think that has on our Earth? The pictures below are a hint. What do each of these pictures have in common?

They are all pictures of animals eating. No matter what planet we live on, humans and animals need food to survive. But how do we get our food? What helps it to grow? 

B. Read

How does energy from the Sun support life on Earth?

How does our atmosphere support life on Earth?

Let’s find out! Read the magazine below. As you read, think about these questions: 

  • Why do we need the Sun?
  • What is photosynthesis? 
  • How does the distance between the Sun and a planet impact the temperature of the planet? 

Fact Finder: As you read, write down any important information in the “Fact Finder” section of your Mission Log. 

C. Plant Time-Lapse

A time-lapse video is a video that plays back at a faster rate than its actual speed. Time-lapse videos can help you observe events that occur over an extended period. 

Directions: Watch the time-lapse video of the plant. As you watch the video, consider the following: 

  • What is the plant doing?
  • What is helping, or causing, the plant to do this?

The video shows a plant growing as a result of the process of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants and other producers use sunlight to make their food. There are three reactants in photosynthesis: carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight. In other words, plants use these three substances to make food. The products, or results of, photosynthesis are oxygen and glucose. Humans and other animals need oxygen to survive. Plants need glucose for energy and to create new substances. Earth’s closeness to the Sun helps us get oxygen and provides us with food by helping plants grow. 

D. Reactants and Products

Directions: In the zine, on page 14, you read about reactants and products of photosynthesis. Drag and drop the labels to show the reactants and products of photosynthesis. Feel free to go back to the magazine to help you complete the diagram below.  

E. Oxygen Production Investigation

You just learned that plants produce oxygen during photosynthesis. So, another benefit of having the Sun close to Earth is that we can get clean air from our plants. Knowing which plants produce the most oxygen can be helpful to us in creating a livable planet. 

Let’s investigate to see if all plants produce the same amount of oxygen.

 

Directions: Turn to your Mission Log to observe and analyze the amount of oxygen produced by different types of plants. 

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