SEC - Additional Activities (9-12)
Classifying Stars
Students learn about the different types of stars through an analysis of the Hertzprung-Russell diagram.
By answering questions based on the diagram, students learn how to read it and about how Astronomers
classify the different types of stars.
Classifying Sunspots
A series of exercises and questions designed to teach about the origins, functions, and effects of Sunspots upon the Earth.
This can function as a Lab on sunspots.
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Living With a Star
A Comprehensive guide to NASA and other resources for information on the Sun-Earth Connection. Included are exercises
teaching students how to safely observe the sun via projection, draw sunspots, and viewing solar eclipses.
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Comparing UV and Magnetic Solar Images
A series of five Ultraviolet Images of the Sun are presented along with 5 Magnetic Images of the Sun. Students are asked
to identify each UV image to a corresponding Magnetic Image.
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Comparing UV and Magnetic Solar Images Key
The answer key for the Comparing UV and Magnetic Solar Images activity.
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Radiation Hazards in Space
Students will learn about the types and hazards of radiation in space and how it
affects space travel, via a board game.
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Solar Dynamics Observatory Factsheet
A collection of facts, mission specifications, and data about the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO),
the first space weather research network mission in the Living with a Star program.
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The Solar Cycle
An elementary academic article presenting research on the activity cycle through which the Sun progresses.
Topics covered include Geomagnetic Storms, the Solar Maximum, and Particle showers.
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Explosions on the Sun
This exercise focuses on Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs). Students learn about CMEs through a brief background
discussion followed by an activity in which students measure the velocity and acceleration of a CME
via coronagraph images.
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STEREO Factsheet
A detailed set of facts about the Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory (STEREO)
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The Sun as a Star
A series of eight exercises focusing on observation of the Sun. Among other topics, students learn about the
nature of light itself as well as its use as the primary investigative tool for observing the sun, how the
length and angle of shadows relates to the Sun's position in the sky, and the images taken by the SOHO satellite.
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Our Star-The Sun (Sun Images)
A detailed fact sheet about the Sun. No exercises.
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The Ionosphere
An elementary academic article discussing the function and characteristics of EarthÕs Ionosphere as well
as how it interacts with the Sun.
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Tracking Sunspots
A comprehensive PowerPoint presentation about Sunspots, detailing their history, causes, and effects.
Students then engage in an activity focused on tracking the movement of sunspots across the surface of
the sun by plotting sunspots recorded over a period of days onto a map of the Sun. Students are then
guided through an analysis of their data.
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More Resources
A list of NASA educational resources.
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