Space Weather Action Center


Source Institutions

Source Institutions

Add to list Go to activity
Activity link broken? See if it's at the internet archive
In this interdisciplinary activity, learners create a Space Weather Action Center (SWAC) to monitor solar storms and develop real SWAC news reports. Learners work in teams to first investigate sunspot regions, storm signals, a magnetosphere, and auroras and share their research with their peers. Then, learners assemble an instructional flip chart, data collection clipboards/notebook, and display board for their SWAC. Learners conclude the activity by writing their own weather reports, which can be filmed or broadcast if equipment is available. Once learners create a SWAC, solar storm research and reporting can become an ongoing activity.

Quick Guide


Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes

Learning Time:
4 to 24 hours

Estimated Materials Cost:
Over $20 per group of students

Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14

Resource Types:
Activity, Exhibit, Lesson/Lesson Plan

Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)


Subjects


  • Earth and Space Science
    • Astronomy
      • Stars and Galaxies
      • Probes, Satellites and Spacecraft
    • Earth Processes
      • Weather and Climate
    • Earth Structure
    • Earth, Moon and Sun
    • Solar System
      • The Sun
  • Physical Sciences
    • Electricity and Magnetism
      • Electric Charges and Currents
      • Electromagnetic Fields
    • Energy
      • Potential and Kinetic Energy
    • Vibration and Waves
    • Light and Optics
      • Sunlight and Color
    • Motion and Forces
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Elementary Particles and Nuclear Physics
  • Engineering and Technology
    • Computing
      • Information Technology
    • Technology
      • Information and Communication
  • Mathematics
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Analysis
      • Data Collection
      • Data Representation
    • Number and Operations
    • Representation
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Asking Questions
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results
    • Science as a Career

Informal Categories


  • Computers
  • Photography and Film/Video

Audience


To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • use keyboard
  • use mouse
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other


Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Sun-Earth Connection Education Forum, NASA

Rights:

  • Public domain, ,