Straw Painting the Sun Activity
| Levels |
|
|---|---|
| Material Type |
|
| Heliophysics Big Ideas |
|
| NGSS |
|
| Heliophysics Topics |
|
| Material Cost per Learner | 1 cent – $1 |
| Language | English |
In this hands-on activity, students use ancient Chinese straw painting techniques to model the Sun's dynamic surface features. This creative art form effectively demonstrates how the Sun's gaseous composition creates constant movement and activity. Students learn that when the Sun is active, it produces sunspots, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections, while other times the Sun remains relatively quiet. Through this engaging combination of art and science, learners explore the ever-changing nature of our nearest star while practicing traditional folk art techniques.