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Framework for Heliophysics Education
Organized by the three questions that drive NASA science investigations, this comprehensive framework breaks down heliophysics concepts into Heliophysics Big Ideas.
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Explore our collection of solar science problems sorted by mathematical complexity, from basic counting and fractions through calculus.
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This article series for educators aims to engage learners of all ages with the exciting world of solar science.
What is heliophysics?
Heliophysics is the study of our star, the Sun [helio], and how its behavior [physics] affects Earth, the solar system, and the very nature of space.
The Science Mission Directorate Heliophysics Division studies the nature of the Sun, and how it influences the very nature of space – and, in turn, the atmospheres of planets and the technology that exists there. Space is not, as is often believed, completely empty; instead, we live in the extended atmosphere of an active star. Our Sun sends out a steady outpouring of particles and energy – the solar wind – as well as a constantly writhing magnetic system. This extensive, dynamic solar atmosphere surrounds the Sun, Earth, the planets, and extends far out into the solar system.
Why should I teach heliophysics?
Everyone has a connection to the Sun!
The Sun can provide a fun and exciting laboratory for exploring magnetism, gravity, light, energy, and much more! Learning about the Sun and its influence on the solar system can help scientists understand how the universe began, how stars and planets are formed, and how life can exist on Earth. Studying this system not only helps us understand fundamental information about how the universe works, but also helps protect our technology and astronauts in space. NASA seeks knowledge of near-Earth space, because – when extreme – space weather can interfere with our communications, satellites and power grids.
“Heliophysics education activation” is a need because [1] heliophysics is a relatively new discipline of science, so therefore [2] people are unfamiliar with the term and [3] many educators may feel intimidated by the term. The term is also not mentioned in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and the heliosphere is not included in models of Earth’s systems.
How do I teach heliophysics?
Explore the Framework for Heliophysics Education to learn more about how to incorporate heliophysics into your existing educational programming.
The Framework for Heliophysic Education outlines key concepts, practices, and strategies for integrating solar science into educational curricula and learning activities. It provides educators, scientists, and outreach professionals with a cohesive set of Heliophysics Big Ideas that align with the three questions that drive NASA's heliophysics research. Each Heliophyiscs Big Idea has guiding questions for each level of learner, designed to support inquiry-based learning.
Explore the Heliophysics Big Ideas
Explore our Solar System in Education.
How does gravity cause seasons, eclipses, and lunar phases?
Explore Space Weather in Education.
How does space weather impact my daily life? How does the Earth keep us safe from the harmful effects of the Sun? How do scientists predict space weather?
Explore Earth's Climate in Education.
How are weather and climate different? Is the Sun getting hotter? How does the changing shape of the Earth's orbit over hundreds of thousands of years cause climate change?
Explore Life on Earth in Education.
How can life exist on Earth? How does energy from the Sun support life on Earth? Does life exist on other planets?
Explore Interstellar Space in Education.
What is the heliosphere? How does the Sun create space weather on Earth? What is the difference between the space around the Sun (the heliosphere) and the interstellar medium (the space between stars?)
Explore Light in Education.
Where do you find invisible light? How does light travel?
How does light teach us about distant objects thousands of light years away?
Explore Magnetism in Education.
What is the Sun made of? How do the magnetic fields of the Sun compare to the magnetic field of the Earth? What are the properties of plasma and how do those properties make the Sun a giant sphere of massive energy?
Explore Radiation in Education.
How does the Sun's energy interact with Earth? How do solar panels work? How does the Sun make energy?
Explore Stars in Education.
How was the Sun born? What is the life cycle of stars?
Do other stars behave similarly to the Sun?
Helio and You
This article series for educators aims to engage learners of all ages with the exciting world of solar science. Our goal is to help educators inspire students by connecting informal and classroom learning to real NASA events, mission launches, and historic heliophysics milestones.
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