Sunspot Science Digi Kit

Digi Kit cover featuring three images of sunspots
Levels
  • intermediate
  • advanced
Requirements
  • low_tech
  • low_cost
Helio Topics
  • space_weather
  • solar_cycle
  • sunspots
Helio Missions
  • solar_and_heliospheric_observatory_soho
CreditAmerican Association of Physics Teachers
Language
  • english

A Digi Kit is a web-based interactive lab that blends physics, geometry, and astronomy as students build and use physical models to explore phenomena. The resource includes a core lesson plan, videos, simulations, tutorials, and readings. This Digi Kit uses authentic data from NASA's Solar Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO), to have students explore sunspot images to make meaning of the terms "frequency" and "period" within the context of a natural phenomenon occurring on the sun. Learners will closely examine and interpret time-stamped images to identify patterns and determine whether these patterns conform to existing scientific theory. The accompanying multimedia links in this Digi Kit support best practices in teaching concepts related to solar phenomena, rotating frames of reference in space, and periodicity. Access this Digi Kit at: https://www.compadre.org/books/?ID=66