Elmo’s Wonderful World: Sun
Learn about our sun—a star that provides warmth, light, and energy for plants, insects, animals, and people to live and grow.
Curriculum Note: The sun is the closest star to our planet, and we can only see it during the day.
Note to parents before watching:
- Earth spins on its axis, so when our part of the earth is facing the sun, it is daytime. When it is facing away from the sun, it is nighttime.
- Though 1 of billions of stars in the galaxy. It is the closest star to Earth.
Before watching: Have your children think about all the ways the sun is important to them (keeping them warm in the winter, helping the plants in gardens grow, giving us sunlight during the day, and casting shadows).
After watching, lead a conversation with your child(ren) with these questions:
- Is the sun a planet or star? What is a star?
- Why do you think the sun is important for you and me? For plants? For all life on Earth?
- Why is it light during the day and dark at night?
- How do you make a shadow? What is a shadow?
Keep the learning going with this activity:
Sunny Days Song
Join Elmo, Big Bird, and friends to sing “Sunny Day” and see the beauty of Hawaii, from its beaches to volcanic mountains.
I Love the Rain
Watch Elmo and Grover sing about how rain helps Earth’s people, animals, and plants live and grow.
Exploring Sunshine & Shadows
A fun science experiment for kids to learn about the sun.
Habitats in Your Own Environment
Explore the habitats in your neighborhood with little ones.
Sit Spot
Use this activity to help create a place for children to journal, draw, and practice mindfulness.
Sounds of Rain
You and your child can create the many sounds of a rainstorm through play and arts and crafts!
