Is this the end of the world as we know it? Pupils prepare for a coronal mass ejection during a lesson from the K20 Center. The activity combines video and Internet research in a collaborative assignment that focuses on public safety during natural disasters.

Concepts

the sun, coronal mass ejections, nuclear fusion, electromagnetic radiation, public service announcements, natural disasters, the earth's atmosphere, magnetic fields, solar storms

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Extend the lesson by adding a PBS documentary that describes solar research
• Have groups pick their own methods for delivering their public service announcement about CMEs

Classroom Considerations

• Allow plenty of time for students to read the article, as it is difficult
• Schedule research time in the computer lab well in advance of the lesson

Pros

• The resource includes a Teacher Helper document to tackle the tough questions pupils may have about the article
• Lesson is challenging yet engaging

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.11-12.2 RST.11-12.2