A TEACHER'S GUIDE TO PLASMA SCIENCE RESOURCES

PLASMAS IN NATURE
Click on the for a check list of National Science Standards the site fulfills.

A. Space Plasmas

1. General Info

The Electronic Universe: The Electronic Universe: [A Science Outreach Server] Site by Univ. Oregon, Dept. Physics, Dr. Bothun (Dr. Darkmatter) about Space, Earth, Environment, Weather, Astronomy (Pine Mountain Observatory), Physics and other courses - all with additional links, e.g. Hubble, LIGO, Caltech very many more...

CHIPS, Cosmic Hot Interstellar Plasma Spectrometer: This satellite studies the Interstellar Medium (ISM), the plasma between stars. It studies the "Local Bubble." Contains many links and K-12 Classroom lessons.

Windows to the Universe: NCAR's student & teacher friendly site with topics of Astronomy and the Universe Physics about atoms, particles, plasma, Sun, etc. Levels: Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced Lessons/activities.

Space Science Institute: Contains good K-12 curriculum materials for space science. Discusses plasma in relation to solar wind. Good graphics.

Space Weather Center: A user-friendly site providing clear information about space plasmas. Under "Cool Stuff" includes helpful pages on "The Plasma Universe" and "Space Weather."

Space Science Education: Provides lots of data for all levels, including a glossary and quizzes. Slide sets available. Offers links to ongoing experiments for students and teachers.

Space Physics and Aeronomy: Home page of the Geophysical Institute's Space Physics and Aeronomy group, this site points you to studies of auroras, the magnetosphere and the solar wind. Great pictures, charts and icons. Excellent aurora forecasting. Although the web site never uses the word "plasma" it does refer to "elementary particles" and "electrons blown from the sun" when describing auroras.

Mission to Geospace: Colorful, appealing, informative, historic, this site directs you to resources for teachers, hot topics in geospace and the latest news. Student and teachers have opportunity to ask "Dr. G.O. Space" questions.

Cosmicopia: This site has many beautiful images and downloadable "sounds" from space. It is very easy to use and understand. Most of the information is designed for students in high school and beyond.

European Space Agency: This site discusses how new technology developed in space science is used to advance space studies and enrich our daily lives. Little is specific to plasma science, but it shows many examples of how the science and technology are human endeavors. Ion propulsion rockets are explained along with practical applications for UV protective gear for children with rare genetic sensitivity to sunlight.

2. Solar Plasmas

Yohkoh Public Outreach Project (Solar Events): YPOP [Yohkoh Public Outreach Project] - Images/activities from Yohkoh (sunbeam in Japanese) solar satellite, 1991-2001, with dated but very useful images and activities and current links such as SciLink, SOHO and others. Supported by Lockheed Martin Solar and Astrophysics and Montana State Physics Department.

ISTP, International Solar-Terrestial Physics Program/NASA: Gives major concepts and specifics of the Sun's energy affecting the Earth, the data and the satellites gathering that data, including NASA educational material.

NASA/Marshall Solar Physics Group: Comprehensive descriptions of solar physics including solar plasmas. Very user friendly. Includes research scientists' names, addresses and email. Answers "Why We Study the Sun," "Big Questions," "Magnetism," and more. Content only. No ready-made lessons.

Solar Flare Theory: This site answers such questions as "What is a solar flare? Why study solar flares?" It describes the formation of plasma in solar flares. It also has an excellent glossary. In general this site is most appropriate for grades 9-12.

Stanford Solar Center: Information and activities are appropriate for elementary through adult education. Includes activities for students and educators, such as daily "solar weather reports," "solar folklore," "ask the astronomer" and more. Mentions plasma in the glossary and in the "Sun-Earth Connection." Indirectly refers to plasma in discussions on solar wind, magnetic fields, etc.

3. Magnetospheric Plasmas

Exploration of the Earth's Magnetosphere: Interactive site full of hands-on lessons for middle-high school. Lessons have historical context, beautiful photos, illustrations and a glossary. Describes space plasmas.

IMAGE Science Center P.O.E.T.R.Y web site: Hands-on lessons for students and teachers, sorted by content, grade level, and web-based. The activities highlight the plasma in nature (Earth's magnetic field, auroras) and show science as a human endeavor.

4. Auroras

The Aurora: Information and Images: Provides regular forecasts of auroral activity over Alaska and the northern hemisphere.

The Aurora Page: Information, links and images about Northern Lights, with great pictures, charts and icons.

Newton's Apple - Aurora Borealis: Written version of segment on aurora's from the PBS series Newton's Apple. Good basic description, with one classroom experiment, and a number of suggested assignments.

B. Lightning

Lightning Safety for Kids: Lightning Safety for Kids has stories about lightning strikes and near misses to children and adults. This Earth plasma is always a weather risk nationally and worldwide. No specific reference to plasma.

Theatre of Electricity: Theater of Electricity is the history of the Van de Graaff Generator with definitions, charts and historic pictures, from the Massachuttes Institute of Technology.

A Lightning Primer: A site that grabs you with tales of lightning strikes that launch satellites, rockets and more. Nice photos and graphics. Does a good job of explaining why lightning research is important in terms of safety, technology, etc. Does not mention plasma, though it does describe the properties of ionized gas.

Lightning: FAQ (UCAR Communications): NCAR, National Center for Atmospheric Research, describes the process and sequence of lightning.

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