Objectives
Lesson Overview
Materials/Resources
Background Information
Developing the Lesson
Closure
Evaluation

The Solar Cycle

Module 2: The Sun and Stars

This activity will require approximately one class periods (~50 minutes each)

Pan-Canadian Curriculum Objectives:

111-5
describe the science underlying particular technologies designed to explore natural phenomena, extend human capabilities, or solve practical problems (e.g., describe how optical principles are demonstrated in a telescope, and aerodynamic principles are applied in rocket and spacecraft engineering)

208-5
state a prediction and a hypothesis based on background information or an observed pattern of events (e.g., predict the next visit of a comet based on past observations)

209-4
organize data using a format that is appropriate to the task or experiment (e.g., maintain a log of their observations of changes in the night sky; prepare a comparative data table on various stars)

312-5
describe the composition and characteristics of the components of the solar system

312-6
describe the effects of solar phenomena on Earth

• Pan-Canadian Objectives

In this activity students will be using the spreadsheet to assist them in investigating the solar cycle. Since the nature of the activity requires that students use computers, it is recommended that the teacher schedule a minimum of 2 consecutive class periods in the computer lab.

The lesson plan will guide students through the procedures involved with downloading data from the Internet, importing the data into a spreadsheet, using the spreadsheet to graph the data, and using a spreadsheet formula to help organize the data.

A modification to the lesson would replace the downloading and importing data with having the students key the values into the spreadsheet using the printable data set. It is suggested this option would be best suited for students who have not had previous experience with spreadsheets.

1. Data set to download (text file)
2. Student handout
3. How to import data into a spreadsheet
4. How to use a spreadsheet to graph
5. How to use a formula in a spreadsheet
6. Data set to print
7. Sample completed spreadsheet
8. Sample completed spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel file)

 

Vocabulary:

• Astronomy Glossary

• sunspot
• umbra
• penumbra
• differential rotation
• aurora

The Surface of the Sun

The Sun

The surface of the Sun was originally thought to be perfect and uniform, but we now know the photosphere is marked by numerous irregularly shaped dark patches called sunspots. Sunspots are depressed areas on the Sun that have a lower temperature than the surrounding surface. They are typically about the size of the Earth, and are composed of a darker central region called the umbra, which is surrounded by a lighter coloured ring called the penumbra. They are temporary features and constantly alter the appearance of the photosphere. Sunspots are closely tied to the solar magnetic field and often occur in groups or in pairs of opposite polarity. The rotation period of the Sun would be very difficult to determine without the aid of sunspots. Because the Sun is not solid, it experiences differential rotation, meaning that the surface rotates at different speeds depending on latitude, with the equatorial regions rotating faster than the polar regions. The number of visible sunspots varies year to year, and the frequency follows a regular 11-year cycle between times of maximum and minimum. During times of maximum, hundreds of sunspots are visible, whereas during a minimum, the photosphere can be devoid of any sunspots. Complex sunspot groups cause the eruption of solar flares, which produce a substantial release of solar particles into the solar wind. Because charged particles from the Sun cause the aurora on Earth, the number of sunspots directly affects these displays. During a sunspot maximum like in 2001, we tend to see amazing auroral displays, and during minimums the aurora are essentially non-existent.

Anticipatory Set

Ask students if they have witnessed more or less northern lights this year than in past years?

Introduction

Explain that the activities will be used to help students understand the solar sunspot cycle and to enable them to make future projections as to how the solar cycle will progress over the next few years. It would also be relevant to mention to students that in a future lesson, they will see more clearly how the solar cycle and sunspots are connected to the Northern Lights on Earth.

The teacher should begin by walking the students through the procedures they will be expected to use to download and import the data file into a spreadsheet program.

Divide students into groups of two; although students will be working in groups, they each will be expected to turn in a completed worksheet.

Remind students that they will be expected to turn in the following upon completion of the activity:

1. Step-by-step how-to guides (showing that they have completed all required procedures with the spreadsheet)
2. A printout of the data (showing organization of the data)
3. A printout of the graph
4. Completed worksheet

Hands-on Activity

Students will be told to go URL for data and download the file (teacher should download this file and will place it on a local server).

• Data set to download (text file)

Students will then use the following the step-by-step guides:

1. Importing data into Excel
2. Graphing the data
3. Using a formula

Once students have completed the spreadsheeting component of the activity they will write a paragraph describing their interpretation of the graph.

Check for Understanding

Periodically monitor students' research to ensure that they are on task.

Reassemble the students and initiate a discussion as to the findings the students were able to interpret from their work with the spreadsheet. Were all students able to make the spreadsheets effectively? Did all students make correct predictions for the solar cycle?

Extension:

In a later lesson, The Amazing and Beautiful Aurora students will gain a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between sunspots, the solar cycle and aurora.

Rubric template

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