In this lesson, students will use a telescope with a solar filter to observe features of the sun. They can take photos and print them to measure and calculate the the size of any sunspots or prominences. The lesson documents include a student worksheet as well as the lesson plan.
To conduct this lesson special materials are needed:
- Telescope (Celestron computerized telescope)
- Solar Filter (Celestron solar filter)
- Camera Mount (Celestron phone mount)
A classroom grant from the STEM Action Center can help with the purchase of the telescope and it’s accessories.
This lesson specifically applies to this standard, Standard ESS.1.1 Develop a model based on evidence to illustrate the life span of the Sun and the role of nuclear fusion releasing energy in the Sun’s core. Emphasize energy transfer mechanisms that allow energy from nuclear fusion to reach Earth. Examples of evidence for the model could include observations of the masses and lifetimes of other stars, or non-cyclic variations over centuries.