©Montessori for Everyone 2005 Parts of the Sun

www.montessoriforeveryone.com

Sun chromosphere

photosphere convective zone

©Montessori for Everyone 2005 Parts of the Sun
www.montessoriforeveryone.com

Sun chromosphere

photosphere convective zone

©Montessori for Everyone 2005 Parts of the Sun
www.montessoriforeveryone.com

radiative zone core

radiative zone core

©Montessori for Everyone 2005 Parts of the Sun
www.montessoriforeveryone.com Definitions

The Sun is our nearest star, and
the one that dominates our
planetary system. By the radia-
tion of its electromagnetic
energy, the Sun furnishes all of
the energy supporting life on
earth.
The radiative zone is slightly
cooler than the core, with a
temperature of about 2.5 millions
degrees C (4.5 million degrees F).
In this zone, heat flows outward
through gases that are about as
dense as water.

The photosphere is cooler than The convective zone is hotter

the rest of the sun, and less
dense. Its temperature is about
5500º C (10,000º F) and its density
is about one-millionth that of
water.
and slightly more dense than the
photosphere. In this zone, churn-
ing motions of gases carry the
Sun’s energy further outward.

Gases at the core are hottest, The region immediately above

reaching temperatures as high
as 29 million degrees F. The Sun’s
energy is produced here through
a nuclear fusion of hydrogen
atoms into helium.
the photosphere is called the
chromosphere. It glows faintly
compared to the photosphere
and can only be seen easily in a
total solar eclipse.

Instructions: print on cardstock and laminate for durability.

Preschoolers will use one picture, one label, and one picture with label to match the cards together. Ele-
mentary should use one picture, one label, and a definition. The additional set of pictures/labels can be
used as control cards when the child has finished matching pictures and labels.

If possible, let the students go outside on a sunny day, close their eyes, and feel the warmth of the Sun
on their faces. Make sure to tell them never to look directly into the Sun.

Make copies of the blackline master so kids can make their own booklet.
©Montessori for Everyone 2005 Parts of the Sun
www.montessoriforeveryone.com Blackline Master