| Lesson Plan |
| Grade: |
Date: 25/02/2026 |
| Subject: Physics |
| Lesson Topic: Know that the Sun is a star of medium size, consisting mostly of hydrogen and helium, and that it radiates most of its energy in the infrared, visible light and ultraviolet regions of the electromagnetic spectrum |
Learning Objective/s:
- Describe the Sun’s classification, size, mass, and surface temperature.
- Explain the Sun’s composition and the nuclear fusion process that powers it.
- Identify the three main regions of the solar radiation spectrum that reach Earth and their approximate energy fractions.
- Interpret how the Sun’s temperature determines its peak emission and why it appears yellow from Earth.
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Materials Needed:
- Projector or interactive whiteboard
- PowerPoint/slide presentation on the Sun
- Handout with key facts and spectrum table
- Diagram of solar interior (printed or digital)
- Worksheet for quick checks
- Spectral filters or coloured cellophane (optional demonstration)
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Introduction:
Begin with a striking image of the Sun’s surface and ask students what colour they think a star like our Sun should appear. Recall prior learning about electromagnetic radiation and the concept of black‑body radiation as a hook. State that by the end of the lesson they will be able to describe the Sun’s properties, its energy production, and the parts of the spectrum that reach Earth.
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Lesson Structure:
- Do‑now (5') – Students complete a short quiz on star classifications and previous EM‑spectrum work.
- Teacher presentation (10') – Overview of Sun’s size, mass, temperature, and composition using slides and the cross‑section diagram.
- Interactive activity (12') – Small groups analyse the spectrum table, calculate the percentage of energy in IR, visible, and UV, then present findings.
- Demonstration (8') – Use coloured filters to show why the Sun looks yellow from Earth, linking scattering to colour perception.
- Check for understanding (5') – Exit‑ticket where each student writes one fact about the Sun’s energy production and one about its emitted spectrum.
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Conclusion:
Summarise that the Sun is a medium‑sized G2V star composed mainly of hydrogen and helium, producing energy through nuclear fusion and emitting most of its power in infrared, visible, and ultraviolet light. Ask a few students to share their exit‑ticket answers to reinforce key points. Assign a brief homework: research another star type and compare its spectrum to the Sun’s.
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