Big Idea 1.2 Introductory Guiding Question
Introductory Level Guiding Question
How does the Earth keep us safe from the harmful effects of the Sun (including radiation and space weather)?
Big Idea 1.2How does the Earth keep us safe from the harmful effects of the Sun (including radiation and space weather)?
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Educator Background
Earth's systems work together to make Earth the optimal place for life. Both Earth's atmosphere and magnetosphere protect Earth from harmful effects of the Sun. Earth's atmosphere shields it from harmful, ultraviolet (UV) radiation and keeps the planet insulated. Earth's magnetic field, called the magnetosphere, is an important part of Earth's systems and shields the planet from solar wind (space weather), which can interfere with Earth's technology and vital communication systems.
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Learning Constraints
At this level students begin to explore non-contact forces in grade 3 (3-PS2-3,4) and start to build a more complex view of how Earth's systems interact with one another in grade 5 (5-ESS2-1).
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Connect to Heliophysics
Connect to the Sun by introducing Earth's magnetosphere into students' understanding of Earth's systems. As students experiment with magnets and observe the properties of a magnetic field, have them imagine the Earth as a giant magnet with its own giant magnetic field. Similar to how the ‘like’ poles of a magnet repel, have students imagine that the Earth's magnetic field is repelling the solar wind (which is also magnetized).
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Extend Exploration
Extend student exploration by introducing the aurora. When the magnetosphere interacts with the solar wind, some of the solar wind particles can enter Earth’s atmosphere at Earth’s poles. The solar wind interacts with Earth's atmosphere, causing the particles in the Earth’s atmosphere to get excited and glow.
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Differentiate for Beginner Learners
Support younger students by making a connection between the weather on Earth and space weather. Scientists predict space weather much like they predict Earth weather. Students begin observing weather patterns as early as grade K.
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Differentiate for More Advanced Learners
Challenge students at the next level by exploring more about how space weather impacts technology, for example, causing satellites to malfunction and problems with the electrical power grid.
Heliophysics Resouce Database
Use the guiding question above to explore resources at this level or go directly to our database to search for resources by level, NGSS performance expectation, topic, and mission.
Resource Data Base