Astronomy – Solar wind interaction with Earth

 Science-  Physics or Physical Science -                  Magnetic Fields

After this lesson, students will be able to:

1.       discuss and describe the components of solar wind particles

2.      explain why the magnetosphere and   ionosphere protect the Earth

3.       explain how moving particles behave and (align) in a magnetic field.

Ties to National Science Education Standards  

Solar wind interaction with Earth’s magnetosphere

Magnetic field influence on charged particles

Determination of magnetic field structure

Magnetosphere and ionosphere protect Earth  

            Solar wind

            Magnetosphere

            Magnetic field

            Ionosphere/Atmosphere

            Ion

            Electron  

       Teacher Preparation:            30 minutes

     Lab Preparation:                   15 minutes

     Class Lab Time:                   20-30 minutes

     Class Discussion Time:    40 minutes          

Student worksheet

Iron fortified cereal * (like Total, Wheaties, Oatmeal, etc.) – this is a cereal which contains iron filings in it.  Different cereal brands should probably be tested before doing this experiment with students as the “iron fortified”  brands differ in quantity of iron filings present and how the iron is distributed within the cereal.  Sometimes the iron is more visible if the flakes are crushed.

Raisins

Medium viscosity clear (or lightly colored) oil,  glycerin, or Karo Syrup

Two strong magnets

400 mL beaker or larger

*Iron filings may need to be added to the cereal in case you find the cereal used does not contain enough for a “drametic” effect.  

Prior to this lab, students should have done an experiment where they map out the magnetic field lines of a bar magnet and understand the basic implications of magnetic field line convergence and direction.

Students should also know and be able to define what a solar wind is and how it is created.  They should have a picture or image of solar wind interaction with the magnetosphere.

This lab is meant to be a component of a larger lesson on solar wind and magnetosphere interaction.