Virginia SOL K.8.a
The Standard
the sun provides light and warms Earth's surface
Virginia Standards of Learning for Science
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students identify the sun as the source of daylight. They compare objects in sunlight and shade to notice that sunlight makes surfaces warmer.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can predict which of two matching objects will become warmer when one is placed in sunlight. The student can use observations to explain the result.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think the air, clouds, or Earth make daylight. They may also think sunlight provides light but does not change surface temperature.
How to Assess It
- Show pictures of two identical rocks, one in sunlight and one in shade. Ask, “Which rock will feel warmer, and why?”
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Place two identical trays, one in sunlight and one in shade, then compare their temperatures after ten minutes.
Ask, “Why does a sunny playground surface feel warmer than a shaded surface?” and record student explanations.
Play Sun or Shade Sort using picture cards of places where an object would become warmer or stay cooler.
Compare sunny and shaded car seats, benches, or sidewalks, then discuss how people choose cooler places outside.
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Printable K.8.a Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to K.8.a, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
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Related Standards
- 1.6.a
the sun is the source of energy and light that warms the Earth's land, air, and water; and
- 3.7.b
the energy from the sun drives the water cycle; and
- 6.3.b
the rotation of Earth in relationship to the sun causes day and night;
- 6.4.a
the sun is important in the formation of most energy sources on Earth;
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