4th Grade Science — Astronomy — The Heavens Declare God's Glory
Students will learn about the sun's size, structure, and purpose as the great light God created to sustain life on Earth.
The sun is the star at the center of our solar system. God created it on Day 4 of creation to give light and warmth to the earth. Without the sun, nothing on Earth could live — plants could not grow, and we would have no food or warmth.
The sun is incredibly large — about 109 times wider than the Earth! If the Earth were the size of a marble, the sun would be as big as a front door. The sun's surface temperature is about 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit, and it is made mostly of hydrogen and helium gas.
God placed the sun at just the right distance from Earth — about 93 million miles away. If it were much closer, Earth would be too hot for life. If it were farther away, Earth would be too cold. This perfect placement shows God's wisdom and design.
The sun provides the energy plants need to grow through photosynthesis. It gives us vitamin D, helps us tell time by the movement of shadows, and marks the seasons. Psalm 19:1 says, 'The heavens declare the glory of God,' and the sun is one of the greatest examples of His creative power.
Use a flashlight and a globe to demonstrate how the sun lights up different parts of the Earth, creating day and night. Measure your shadow at three different times during the day and record how it changes.