After reading about how the sun gets its energy, and about the layers and features of the sun's atmosphere, heliologists complete a comprehension worksheet. On it, they label features on a diagram of the sun and match terms from the...

An impressive animation explains the earth's awe-inspiring auroras. The contributions of high-energy particles from the sun collide with our neutral atmospheric atoms. Explained are the roles of solar wind, plasma, the magnetosphere,...

Since you can't go to the comet, bring the comet to you. Young scientists build models of comets using everyday materials and then participate in a simulation of the interaction between the comet and other bodies in the solar system....

NASA currently operates missions to the sun at the center the galaxy as well as the mysterious glow at the outside edge of the solar system. Learn about both missions thanks to an engaging installment from the SciShow Space series....

Traveling to the sun presents many challenges. Learn how the Ulysses mission escaped the orbital plane and flew around the sun in an illuminating video from the SciShow Space series. It details the challenges of the mission and the...

Have you ever wanted to visit the sun? While that's not an option given the temperatures involved, use a SciShow Space video to learn about the probe headed to the sun to help people understand a few things that confuse scientists. The...

How do scientists know the difference between a meteorite from space and a regular rock from the earth? Scholars read a passage and answer comprehension questions about the creation of the solar system. They extrapolate the main ideas to...

Our atmosphere is pretty amazing! How does it minimize the effects of solar weather? Scholars discover Earth's first line of defense against the sun—the magnetosphere. The activity, one of several in a sun unit from NOVA, explains how...

Does the very thing that is responsible for life on Earth also have a dark side? Space scientists differentiate between sunspots, solar flares, and CMEs in an enlightening activity. The lesson, one of several in a unit presented by NOVA,...

What can we learn from the data? Young scholars analyze actual solar data to answer specific questions. The activity presents an opportunity for an open-ended investigation of the data to conclude a five-part series on solar winds.

Write, edit, and then revise! The fourth lesson in a five-part series asks peers to provide feedback on research. Individuals then use the research to edit and revise conclusions and develop their presentations.

Bring the sun to your class! Young scholars analyze actual solar wind data in the second lesson plan of a five-part series. Their analysis includes speed, temperature, and density data.

Time to show off what they've learned! The final lesson in the series of six asks young scholars to process their learning from the previous lessons. They identify possible elements of the sun as well as a possible origin.

Watch as your class makes the transition from pupils to researchers! A well-designed lesson has scholars pick a solar wind characteristic to research. They then collect and analyze official data from the LANL website. This is the third...

What does the sun mean to you? Learners have many different interests that may have connections to the sun. Whether its solar radiation, solar flares, or solar storms, there are connections to daily interests that may surprise your...

What is it worth to you? A hands-on lesson asks groups to collect weights of different combinations of coins and calculate weighted averages. They use the analysis to understand the concept of an isotope to finish the third lesson in a...

Our atmosphere keeps us from the extreme temperatures experienced on the moon. The video explains that our atmosphere actually leaks. It describes exactly which molecules escape and the multiple factors that contribute.

Does the sun have a life cycle? The video explains the confusion of what scientists expect and what the history of the earth proves. Then it offers multiple theories about the discrepancy and details the most accepted theory.

Crystal ball or big, hairy, dirty snowball? Take young astronomy scholars on an up-close investigation of comets with a video. Topics include the makeup of comets and their two tails, long- and short-period comets, and how they interact...

The winds of change are blowing in our very own solar system!  But what makes some heavenly bodies more affected by solar winds than others?  Pupils discover the concept of magnetic forces at work in space in this attractive interactive,...

Did you know that Earth is one of three planets that experiences auroras? A video explains what happens when the magnetic sun throws giant balls of plasma at the earth. It includes both the beauty and the damage an aurora can cause. 

Everyone loves playing with magnets and iron filings. Here, young scientists first observe and then participate in an activity demonstrating magnetic fields. After completing their observations, they apply this knowledge to...

So you built a magnetometer, now what? High school scientists use their magnetometer made in a previous lesson to map the union of magnetic fields of dipole magnets. They experiment with different alignments and draw conclusions about...

Young scientists investigate the effects of heating a beaker of ice water by dropping dye into the water and observing how the color circulates.