Solar Radiation
In Texas, teachers are expected to teach about the energy from the Sun as a characteristic of the Sun, define its role in life on Earth and its relationship to other systems on Earth.
K.7 B The student is expected to identify that heat causes change, such as ice melting or the Sun warming the air and compare objects according to temperature
3.11 D The student is expected to describe the characteristics of the Sun
4.11 C The student is expected to identify the Sun as the major source of energy for the Earth and understand its role in the growth of plants, in the creation of winds, and in the water cycle
5.8 A The student is expected to differentiate among forms of energy including light, heat, electrical, and solar energy
7.8 B The student is expected to identify that radiant energy from the Sun is transferred into chemical energy through the process of photosynthesis
8.10 B The student is expected to describe interactions among solar, weather, and ocean systems
Preliminary Concepts
In order to understand solar energy and its relationship to other systems on Earth, students will need to understand some of the properties of light (absorption, reflection) and some of the characteristics of light (wavelength).
Misconceptions and Educational Research
Activities about Solar Radiation
Content Resources for the Pre-Service Educator
