Big Idea 3.1

Introductory: A younger learner (K-5), or a learner new to the subject matter.

Quick Facts

What is the Sun made of?

  • Educator Background

    The Sun is a star, as seen up close, and is the center of our solar system. Stars are made of a type of matter called plasma, which is a superheated gas.

  • Learning Constraints

    Students in grade 2 can describe the three different kinds of matter and begin to observe the properties of different materials at different temperatures (2-PS1-1). By grade 5, they can describe that all matter is made of particles and that the motion of the particles determines the state of matter (5-PS1-1).

  • Connect to Heliophysics

    Connect to the Sun by introducing plasma as the 4th state of matter, keeping in mind that at this level students don't understand ionization. But students can understand that plasma has more energy than gas. At grade 5 they can begin to explore how plasma particles are spread out and move around randomly. The Sun is made of plasma, which is very, very hot. Plasma is hotter than gas.

  • Extend Exploration

    Expand student exploration by giving students examples of plasmas on Earth, which include lightning, simple plasma balls, aurora (upper atmosphere).

  • Differentiate for Beginner Learners

    Support younger students by exploring particle motion and emphasizing that plasma particles move faster than gas particles.

  • Differentiate for More Advanced Learners

    Challenge students at the next level by exploring the properties of plasma.

Featured Introductory Resources

Explore this guiding question with these featured resources.

A list of activities with icons showing the Sun.

Lesson Plans

Explore the Sun

The Sun with a speech bubble that says, "Hey! Who are you calling "average"?"

Digital Resource

NASA Space Place: All About the Sun

A artistic creation of the Sun, shown in red, yellow, and orange.

Hands-on Activity

Marbled Sun Prints

A young girl paints Exoplanet Coloring Book pages.

Art-infused Activity

Coloring Book: Our Very Own Star, the Sun