Activity Description: Scouts choose and watch a video or read a book to learn facts about the sun and how it affects Earth.
- Fulfills Step 1 of GSUSA Space Science Explorer badge requirements.
Info Needed: The sun looks like it moves across the sky because Earth is spinning. When we see the sun in the morning, our part of Earth is turning toward the light. At night, our part of Earth turns away from the sun. It looks like the sun has gone down. Shadows change during the day because the sun’s position in the sky changes.
Items Needed:
- A book or video about the sun
- (Optional) A quiet space to watch or read
- (Optional) Headphones or speakers for group viewing
Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 3–9 min):
- Choose a sun-themed video or book (1 min)
- Scouts pick one option based on time and interest.
- Watch or read the content (2–8 min)
- (Optional) Share one fact they learned (1–2 min)
- Scouts can say one thing they found interesting or surprising.
Media for Sun Facts
Books:
- The Sun is My Favorite Star by Frank Asch – Covers concepts like shadows, evaporation, and the fact that the sun is a star.
- I Am the Sun by James McDonald – Told from the sun’s perspective, this book explains its importance to Earth. Introduces basic space and Earth science concepts in a friendly tone.
- The Sun: Our Nearest Star by Franklyn M. Branley – Part of the “Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out Science” series. Explains what the sun is made of, how far away it is, and why it’s essential for life.
- Sun! One in a Billion by Stacy McAnulty – Covers scientific facts in a playful, engaging way that kids love.
- The Sun is Kind of a Big Deal by Nick Seluk – Uses fun illustrations and humor to explain how the sun affects seasons, weather, and life on Earth.
Videos:
- Sun Facts by Mr. DeMaio (8 min 52 sec)
- The Sun by Happy Learning English (3 min 11 sec)
- Here Comes the Sun by Crash Course Kids (2 min 41 sec)
- Following the Sun by Crash Course Kids (4 min 29 sec)
The Badge Archive 