Heliophysics Resource Database
A comprehensive database for formal and informal educators, curated by scientists, engineers, and educators from NASA and our co-investigating institutions, the resources in this database have been chosen because they have proven to be highly effective at engaging a variety of learners in heliophysics content and in NASA science. All resources have been tested and vetted by educators in the field.
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(Grades K-8+) This article is about different wavelengths of light, how UV light can harm us, and how to protect ourselves.
(Grade 6-12+) This video explains the sun's energy input to Earth from NASA missions like TSIS on the ISS.
(Grades 9-12+) This article explains why scientists are confident Earth’s recent warming is primarily due to human burning fossil fuels rather than the Milankovitch cycles.
(Grades 9-12+) In these videos, Dr. Merav Opher explain what we know about the heliopause.
(Grades 9-12+) This 5-minute-long video provides an introduction to electromagnetic spectrum.
(Grades K-8+) This animated, video explores how the solar system formed, and features a downloadable poster in three different size options
(Grades 6-12+) In this article, text and images describe how the Sun and Earth are connected, including solar energy, photosynthesis, seasons, aurora, and habitability.
(Grades 8-12) In this activity, learners discover how scientists use colored filters to study the universe, and see images in a new light.
(Grades K-8) In this activity, learners explore how magnetism is connected to the aurora, and how magnetic field lines become unstable, snap like rubber bands, and crash into gases in the atmosphere.
(Grades 6-12+) This comprehensive lecture covers Transient Luminous Events through three interrelated presentations on thunderstorms, TLEs, and sprites.
(Grades K-12+) A brief video (~3 minutes) discussing "sungrazer" comets, including example footage from past observations by spacecraft. Sungrazing comets come very close to the sun at their nearest approach, a point called perihelion
(Grades 6-12+) A collection of images and videos produced by NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio which illustrate how various spacecraft from NASA’s heliophysics mission fleet observed Comet ISON in 2013.
(Grades K-12+) A short video (~3 minutes) about how amateur astronomers have used data released from the ESA and NASA's SOHO mission to discover over 5,000 new comets.
(Grades K-12+) An illustrated, step-by-step guides which shows students how to make their own model comet materials available at home.
(Grades K-12+) This Do-It-Yourself activity guides students through making their own simulated comet, providing an opportunity to make observations, discuss changing states of matter, and demonstrate measuring skills.