Grade 1 · Energy in Our Lives · Energy Around Us
The Sun Starts the Energy Story
Energy makes movement and change possible. Much of the energy we notice in daily life can be connected back to the Sun.
Visual model
See how the ideas connect
Recognize what energy can do
Explain how the Sun supports Earth
Choose responsible energy habits
Energy Around Us
For students
Notice, predict, explain
Choose one part of the model. Predict how it connects to another part, then use the lesson evidence to explain your thinking.
For teachers
Pause for science talk
Show the model before the explanation. Ask “What do you notice?” and “What might change?” Then revisit student ideas after the worked example.
The big idea
The Sun is Earth's principal energy source
Sunlight warms land, air, and water and helps plants grow. Living things get energy from food, and people use several energy sources for light, heat, and movement.
Work it through
Follow one energy chain
- Step 1 Sunlight reaches a garden and provides energy that helps a tomato plant grow.
- Step 2 The tomato stores energy that a person can get by eating it.
- Step 3 The person uses that energy to walk, think, play, and keep their body working.
- Step 4 Turning off an unused light is one way to avoid wasting another form of energy.