Grades 1-2: The Sun: Helpful and Harmful | Differentiated Reading & Activities

Help students explore how the Sun is both helpful and harmful with this FREE differentiated science activity designed for Grades 1-2. Students will learn about the Sun’s importance to life on Earth, recognize potential dangers of too much sun exposure, and discover ways to stay safe outdoors.

This resource includes two versions of the same lesson to support diverse learners and make differentiation easy in any classroom.

What’s Included:

☀️ Standard Version (5 Pages)

• Reading Passage
• 5 Comprehension Questions
• Matching Activity
• Draw & Label Activity
• Sun Rays Write/Draw Activity

☀️ Differentiated Version (6 Pages)

• Simplified Reading Passage
• 4 Comprehension Questions
• Matching Activity with Starter Line
• Draw Activity with a Hint
• Sun Rays Cut-and-Paste Activity

Flexible Ways to Use

✔ Whole-group instruction

✔ Small-group lessons

✔ Independent practice

✔ Science centers

✔ Homework

✔ Intervention support

✔ Sub plans

Teachers may use either version independently, mix and match pages, or assign different versions based on individual student needs.

Skills Covered

• Understanding the Sun’s role on Earth
• Identifying benefits of the Sun
• Recognizing potential dangers of the Sun
• Sun safety awareness
• Reading comprehension
• Science vocabulary
• Drawing, labeling, and critical thinking

This flexible resource provides meaningful science practice while supporting a wide range of learners through built-in differentiation.

Grades: 1-2

Format: PDF

Pages: 11 Student Pages

Price: FREE ☀️🦉