Choose Learning Type ▼

Solar Blooms

Activity

How Sunflowers Track the Sun

Go on a search around campus for sunflowers! These yellow wildflowers have a reputation for following the movement of the sun, the central star of our solar system. Observe any sunflowers you find and determine if they are facing the sun. Then, return at a different time of day and see if their position has changed.
Bot 4
Bot 4 (3)
Bot 4 (2)

Science Seed

Young sunflowers exhibit heliotropism, which means they turn their heads to follow the sun from east to west during the day. This movement is controlled by growth hormones that cause the stem to grow more on the shaded side, tilting the plant toward the light to get the most sunlight for photosynthesis. At night, they reset by turning back toward the east to prepare for sunrise. As the sunflower matures, the stem stiffens, and heliotropism stops. The flower settles facing east, which helps it warm up quickly in the morning sun. This warmth attracts pollinators like bees, which are more active earlier in the day, and also improves seed production. Facing east may also protect the flower from intense afternoon heat, reducing stress and water loss. Observing their position throughout the day can show whether the sunflowers are still exhibiting heliotropism or have reached maturity.
botany jar illustration

move to the next activity

earn Badges

Badges can be earned through hands-on experiences within each of the 16 branches of science, or “Science Slices.” You can earn a badge in each branch of science by doing four activities in these categories. We also encourage participants to keep a Nature Journal to record their memories, and to express themselves creatively through writing or drawing after each activity. We recommend that each child (and parent if they’d like) write or draw in a journal after each activity, with expectations of your children that match their age (the goal is self-expression, not perfection).

Explore Sanchez Elementary

join Families in Nature

It is our vision to inspire all families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists. Becoming a member of Families in Nature will give your family the opportunity to have adventures in nature, experience field science, develop as youth conservation leaders, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Memberships are free for everyone.

Who are we?

Families in Nature works to create opportunities for nature connection with the purpose of sparking a deep love and desire to protect, conserve and restore the environment. Our mission is to connect children and their families to nature and to each other through time spent learning, playing, and volunteering outdoors. It is our vision to inspire ALL families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists.

Sánchez Elementary School is close to downtown on Austin’s east side. Built in 1976, the campus boasts murals by Raul Valdez depicting the school’s Hispanic history and heritage. Sánchez was one of the district’s first to introduce two-way dual language education- fitting because the school’s namesake, George Sánchez, was a pioneer in bilingual education. This project was made possible by HEB.

Skip to content