Find a
Resource
Select grade level(s) Select resource type(s) Select collection(s) Select standard(s) Skip navigation Digital Library for Earth System Education
Digital Library for Earth System Education
Home
New to DLESE?
Search tips
Educational resources > Find a resource > Resource description
The Magnetic Sun
http://www.phy6.org/stargaze/Lsun3mag.htm
From DLESE Community Collection (DCC)
Comment on this resource
This lesson presents an overview of phenomena related to the magnetism of the Sun, in particular to sunspots and their 11-year cycle, solar flares and magnetic disturbances on Earth caused by solar activity. It also reviews briefly the connection between electricity and magnetism. Students will learn facts about the discovery of sunspots, their intense magnetism, and their 11-year cycle. They will be introduced to solar activity associated with sunspots and their cycles, e.g. the abrupt brightenings known as solar flares. They also learn that solar activity is probably associated with the release of magnetic energy, and that such releases can propel fast plasma flows towards Earth, causing magnetic storms.
Intended for grade levels:
  • High (9-12)
Type of resource:
  • For the classroom:
    • Lesson plan
Subject:
  • Physics
  • Space science
Technical requirements:
No specific technical requirements, just a browser required
Cost / Copyright:
No cost
May be used non-commercially as long as credit is given to the author.
DLESE Catalog ID: DLESE-000-000-005-167
Educational standards:
  • National Science Education Standards (NSES):
    • 9-12:
      • Unifying concepts and processes:
        • Change, constancy, and measurement
        • Evidence, models, and explanation
      • D - Earth and space science:
        • Energy in the earth system
      • F - Science in personal / social perspectives:
        • Sci. / tech. in local, national, and global challenges
      • G - History and nature of science:
        • Nature of scientific knowledge
        • Science as a human endeavor
Related resources:
This resource is referenced by 'From Stargazers to Starships'
http://www.phy6.org/stargaze/Sintro.htm
Resource contact / Creator / Publisher:
Author: Dr David P. Stern
Goddard Space Flight Center