Question

step 3 – vocabulary (read and do): read each description. then:

1. circle the most important word in the passage.
2. write a short definition in your own words.

nuclear fusion- inside the sun, hydrogen atoms crash together and fuse into helium. this process creates a huge amount of energy that powers the sun. write about what is being created.
solar radiation- the sun’s energy doesn’t stay inside—it moves out through space as light and heat. this radiation reaches earth and other planets. write what two forms this energy takes.
orbiting planets- earth and other planets move in paths around the sun because of gravity. the amount of energy each planet gets depends on its distance from the sun. write what force keeps planets in place.
influence- the sun’s energy affects temperatures, weather, and life on earth. without solar energy, earth could not support living things. write a way the sun’s energy affects earth.
step 4 – evidence model: draw a simple diagram off to the side, label 1, 2 and 3.

1. sun’s core → nuclear fusion makes energy
2. energy travels outward → sunlight reaches earth
3. effects on earth: warmth, plants, weather

step 5 – cer practice: fill in each blank. write in a complete sentence.

• claim: nuclear fusion in the sun produces energy that reaches planets.
• evidence: ________
• reasoning: ________

step 6 – reflection: answer: how does the sun’s energy make life on earth possible?

Explanation:

Step 5 - CER Practice

Evidence:

Inside the Sun, hydrogen atoms crash together and fuse into helium (nuclear fusion), creating a huge amount of energy. This energy travels outward from the Sun’s core as solar radiation (light and heat) and reaches Earth and other planets. Also, the Sun’s energy affects temperatures, weather, and supports life (like plants) on Earth.

Reasoning:

Nuclear fusion in the Sun’s core is the source of the energy. The process of fusion (hydrogen to helium) releases energy, which then moves out as solar radiation. This radiation, in the forms of light and heat, travels through space to reach planets. The energy from the Sun is essential for Earth because it provides the warmth needed for liquid water to exist, drives weather patterns, and is used by plants in photosynthesis (which is the base of most food chains, supporting life).

Step 6 - Reflection

The Sun’s energy makes life on Earth possible in several ways. First, solar energy (in the form of light) is used by plants during photosynthesis to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose (food) and oxygen. This process provides the energy and oxygen that most living organisms need. Second, the Sun’s heat warms the Earth’s surface and atmosphere, maintaining temperatures that allow liquid water to exist (a key requirement for life as we know it) and driving weather systems that distribute water and nutrients. Without the Sun’s energy, Earth would be too cold to support most life forms, and there would be no energy source for photosynthesis, disrupting food chains and the availability of oxygen.

Answer:

Step 5 - CER Practice

Evidence:

Inside the Sun, hydrogen atoms crash together and fuse into helium (nuclear fusion), creating a huge amount of energy. This energy travels outward from the Sun’s core as solar radiation (light and heat) and reaches Earth and other planets. Also, the Sun’s energy affects temperatures, weather, and supports life (like plants) on Earth.

Reasoning:

Nuclear fusion in the Sun’s core is the source of the energy. The process of fusion (hydrogen to helium) releases energy, which then moves out as solar radiation. This radiation, in the forms of light and heat, travels through space to reach planets. The energy from the Sun is essential for Earth because it provides the warmth needed for liquid water to exist, drives weather patterns, and is used by plants in photosynthesis (which is the base of most food chains, supporting life).

Step 6 - Reflection

The Sun’s energy makes life on Earth possible in several ways. First, solar energy (in the form of light) is used by plants during photosynthesis to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose (food) and oxygen. This process provides the energy and oxygen that most living organisms need. Second, the Sun’s heat warms the Earth’s surface and atmosphere, maintaining temperatures that allow liquid water to exist (a key requirement for life as we know it) and driving weather systems that distribute water and nutrients. Without the Sun’s energy, Earth would be too cold to support most life forms, and there would be no energy source for photosynthesis, disrupting food chains and the availability of oxygen.