TEACHING INTEGRATED
MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE

Module 6
Our Sun and its Place in the Universe

Lesson 1

CONCEPTS:

The Sun is an average-sized, middle-aged star. Its position, size, motions, temperature, and possession of planets do not make it an extraordinary star. But to us on Earth, it is the greatest star of all, for our existence depends upon its energy.

The Sun rotates west to east on its axis every 25 to 34 days, and it revolves around the center of our galaxy in approximately 230 million years. Since the Sun is not a solid body, all of its parts do not rotate at the same rate of speed. It, however, is rushing through space with a tremendous speed.

The Sun has enormous internal and external temperatures resulting from nuclear reactions that principally involve hydrogen and constantly generate energy.

DEVELOPED AT



Under a Grant from

THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
PRE-SERVICE EDUCATION PROGRAM

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Written by:
Ronald A. Johnston
Assistant Professor
Department of Natural Sciences
Fayetteville State University
1200 Murchison Road
Fayetteville, NC 28301

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Sponsored by:
Mathematics and Science Education Center
Fayetteville State University
1200 Murchison Road
Fayetteville, NC 28301
Leo Edwards, Jr., Director