It Just Keeps Shining and Shining and Shining
The sun has been shining for over 5 billion years. We may see the sun set every night, but it is always shining somewhere over the planet. While it is dark where you live, children on the other side of the world may be playing outside in the sun.
The earth spins on its axis every 24 hours. As it spins, the parts of the earth that are closest to the sun are in the daylight, the parts farthest away in night. The earth orbits around the sun on a path that is nearly circular. It takes 365-1/4 days, or one year, for the earth to complete this cycle. During this time, we experience the four seasons.
The sun is a star. The sun's core reaches temperatures of 27 million degrees Fahrenheit. Its bright light provides plants and animals warmth, light and energy. The sun is the first stop on the energy cycle. Plants use the sun's energy to grow. Animals feed on plants. People eat plants and plant-eating animals for nourishment. Everything is connected and all energy begins with the sun!
Growing on the Sunny Side of the Street
Plants need sunlight to live and grow. Plant cells take in light, carbon dioxide, water and nutrients from the soil. They change these substances into sugar, starches and protein. This process is called photosynthesis. While plants are creating their own food during photosynthesis, they are also releasing oxygen into the air for people and animals to breathe.
| FUN FACT: Ecologists call plants the "producers of the community" because all animals and people depend on them for survival. |
Some plants, like cacti, palm trees and many varieties of flowers, grow best in warm environments. People who live in colder climates use greenhouses to raise these types of plants.
A greenhouse is a glass house used to grow heat-sensitive plants in all different climates. The sun shines through the glass to provide light for the plants. The glass traps the heat in the greenhouse which increases the temperature. Windows and other controls in the greenhouse allow the temperature to be adjusted so that it is just right for the plants.
Sun Drops are Falling on My Head
Without the sun we would not have rain. The sun heats the water in lakes and oceans. The water evaporates and forms clouds. When there is enough water in the clouds the water falls as rain. In every rain drop there is a drop of sun.
Solar Energy
The energy from the sun is called solar energy. Solar energy is collected, harnessed and used for many things. Solar energy, a renewable energy source, is slowly replacing our dependence on nonrenewable energy sources such as coal and gas. While other renewable energy sources, such as wind, may not be predictable, we can expect the sun to shine every day. Solar energy is much healthier for the environment. New ways of using solar energy are being inventing every day.
| FUN FACT: The word solar comes from the word "Sol." This was the name of the ancient Roman god of the sun. |
Many homes are being built with solar panels which capture the sun's energy and generate electricity. This energy is used to heat and pump water, run refrigerators, heat air, power appliances and more! In Israel, 65% of homes have solar hot water heaters. In the deserts of California, rows of huge mirrors heat water and turn it into steam to generate electricity. There are also smaller, portable solar energy panels that are used in calculators, flashlights and watches.
Scientists, engineers and car designers are even making solar cars. Kids have gotten into the act, too, and have created small solar electric cars for fun. Maybe you have watched solar car races on television. Have you ever seen someone driving a solar-powered car? Not many people own these vehicles today. Perhaps in the future, this method of transportation will help keep our air clean because solar cars do not pollute.
All Fired Up!
Fire has many uses. Through the years, fire has helped people heat their homes, cook food, make metal objects and provide light. While fire is helpful, it can also be dangerous if it is unexpected or uncontrolled. Learning about fire and fire prevention is a great way to keep your home safe from fires. Your local fire department can provide fire prevention tips for you and your family.
If you ever come across an uncontrolled fire, leave the area immediately! Dial 9-1-1 from a phone or tell an adult.
Flaming Facts on Fire
Fires need heat, oxygen and fuel to burn. If any one of these three elements is removed the fire goes out. That's why fire fighters and other adults put out fires by choosing one or more of the following:
1. They cool the fire (take away the heat).
2. They smother the fire (take away the oxygen).
3. They remove burning materials (take away the fuel).
The best choice depends on the type of fire. For example, electrical, grease and wood fires must be extinguished in different ways.
Cool It!
Fires can be put out by removing heat. There are different ways to do this. If a fire is made from wood, cloth or paper, water is often the easiest way to put out the fire.
However, water isn't the best method in all cases. Both grease fires and electrical fires can grow when water is poured onto them. This is because water can cause the burning grease to spread or splatter. Water also conducts electricity which can cause the fire to spread. In these cases, fire fighters and adults use fire extinguishers to put out the fire.
I Can't Breathe
Removing the oxygen or air from a fire is another way to put it out. This is usually done by smothering the fire with a heavy blanket, covering it with a lot of sand or by using a fire extinguisher. When covered with something airtight, fire often goes out from a lack of oxygen. For example, sometimes a grease fire on a kitchen stove can be put out by covering the flaming pot with its fitted lid.
WARNING: DO NOT try to put out fires in your home or school by yourself. Leave the area, call an adult or call 911.
Running Out of Fuel
The third way to put out a fire is to remove the fuel. This method is often difficult and dangerous so it is rarely used. But sometimes it is the best way to handle a fire. For example, trees are a main source of fuel in a forest fire. Fire fighters may cut down a strip of trees in order to take away the fire's fuel and control the blaze.
| FUN FACT: George Washington, the first president of the United States, was a volunteer fire fighter in Alexandria, Virginia. |
The ABC’s of Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are the best way to put out fires in the home. Fire extinguishers are designed for specific types or fires.
Extinguishers marked with an "A" are used for wood or paper fires.
Extinguishers marked "B" are used for putting out fires caused by gasoline, oil or other flammable liquids.
Extinguishers marked "C" are used to control electrical fires.
When using fire extinguishers it is important to know the type of fuel that is burning. Sometimes this can be difficult. For example, a car battery contains flammable chemicals and it also has electrical current flowing through it. Both the B and C extinguishers could put out a burning battery.
There are also multipurpose extinguishers marked "ABC." These extinguishers are useful in putting out many types of fires. Extinguishers are found in most public places, such as buildings, buses, offices and in homes or cars.
Is there a fire extinguisher in your school? Do you have one or more extinguishers in your home? If not, ask your parent or guardian to buy one. Fire extinguishers are a very important part of fire prevention and safety.
| DID YOU KNOW? Like cars, fire extinguishers need regular service. |
Related Books and Websites
If you'd like to learn more about the sun or fire safety, check out these hot books and websites:
Books:
Asimove, I. & Reddy, F. The Sun and Its Secrets, (New York: Gareth Stevens, 1994).
Daley, Michael. Amazing Sun Fun, (New York: McGraw Hill Companies, 1998).
Websites:
The Hanford Fire Department's website provides wonderful information about fire prevention and "All You Ever Wanted to Know About Fire Extinguishers" at:
http://www.hanford.gov/fire/safety/extingrs.htm
The Kennet Fire Company's website provides helpful information on fire prevention at:
http://www.firestation24.com