In this Short Activity, learners use magnets and metal items to learn about magnetic fields of the Earth, the Sun, and other objects in the universe.
The “Exploring the Solar System: Magnetic Fields” activity shows participants how scientists can use tools to study the invisible magnetic fields of Earth, the Sun, and other objects in the universe. Participants can see how the Sun’s magnetic field extends far out into space and sends bursts of magnetic energy across the solar system, while Earth’s strong magnetic field helps protect life on our planet from dangerous solar and cosmic radiation.
OBJECTIVES
LEARNING GOALS
- • Scientists have observed active magnetic fields throughout the solar system.
• Earth has a strong, protective magnetic field.
• The Sun’s magnetic field extends out into space and sends powerful bursts of magnetic energy into the solar system.
DOWNLOAD FILES
- Magnetic Fields activity guide (PDF)
- Magnetic Fields activity guide (DOCX)
- Magnetic Fields facilitator guide (PDF)
- Magnetic Fields info sheet “Auroras on Other Planets” (PDF)
- Magnetic Fields info sheet “Our Active Star” (PDF)
- Magnetic Fields table sign (PDF)
- Magnetic Fields activity guide (Spanish) (PDF)
- Magnetic Fields activity guide (Spanish) (DOCX)
- Magnetic Fields info sheet “Auroras on Other Planets” (Spanish) (PDF)
- Magnetic Fields info sheet “Our Active Star” (Spanish) (PDF)
- Magnetic Fields table sign (Spanish) (PDF)