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Magnetism and Earth’s Magnetic Field by Wendy Esch

image of Earth from space with two orbiting spacecraft. Curved red arrows indicate ion trajectories as they exit the north poles as polar wind.
Figure 2. Depiction of the ionospheric outflow, or polar wind, where singly charged ions follow magnetic field lines out into the magnetosphere. Courtesy of NASA and the European Space Agency.
Levels
  • Intermediate (6-8)
  • Advanced (9-12+)
Material Type
  • Activity/Hands-on
  • Lesson Plan
Heliophysics Big Ideas
  • Big Idea 2.1 – Life on Earth has evolved with complex diversity…
NGSS
  • PS2 - Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions
Heliophysics Topics
  • Electromagnetism
  • Magnetic Field
  • Magnetosphere
  • Geomagnetic Storm
  • Aurora
Heliophysics Missions
  • PUNCH
  • Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS)
Material Cost per Learner Free
Language English

In this 5E high school lesson, students investigate magnets and electromagnets and then relate them to motors and generators. This is then related to the Earth’s magnetic field and what happens to it when a geomagnetic storm occurs. They will also use their smartphone as a magnetometer to do several magnetism lab activities.

Learn more at: https://outreach.gi.alaska.edu/nasa-heliophysics/heliophysics/magnetism-and-earths-magnetic-field-wendy-esch