Solar Storm: What Protects Us From the Sun's Radiation?
Sim Lesson
Students use the Solar Storm simulation to measure radiation dose at different locations and solar activity levels, seeing that Earth's atmosphere and magnetic field shield us and that distance and solar storms raise the dose. Lesson Purpose Students often think space near Earth is uniformly dangerous. Comparing locations and storm levels shows that Earth's shielding matters and that exposure rises far from Earth and during storms.
The Sun constantly sends out a stream of charged particles, and sometimes a violent storm. Down on the ground we barely notice, but an astronaut far from Earth faces real danger. What shields us, and when does that shield weaken? In this lesson, you will use the Solar Storm simulation to measure radiation dose from sea level out to the Moon.
Topics and standards: Science, Energy, Solar System, Physics, Earth Science, Astronomy, Nuclear Energy, Simulation, Earth in Space, HS-ESS1-1, Universe & Stars, Electricity & Magnetism, Grades 9-12, Earth Systems, SC.912.E.5.4, Featured Tuva Sims Lessons, 3.3.9-12.A