MATERIALS THAT HELP EXPLAIN PHENOMENA
– all kinds of scale models
– Sun-Earth-Moon model with lamp
– basic informations such as size and temperature of the Sun on iPad
– short videos on solar storms, magnetic reconnection etc. on iPad
– near real-time solar data such as from SolarMonitor or Helioviewer
> More detailed suggestions will follow. Please let me know what worked best for you.
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WORKSHOP-LIKE ACTIVITIES THAT WORK AT PUBLIC EVENTS
Visitors, in particular families, enjoy making something together.
The activities suggested below have all been tested.
The preparatory effort varies with the flipbooks requiring the least.
MAKE A FLIPBOOK FROM SOLAR DATA
Works even at larger events.
Make sure to bring enough prints and scissors.
Print flipbooks
> Sunspots
> Solar eruption
> Solar storm
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MAKE MAGNETIC FIELDS VISIBLE
For smaller events.
The iron filings look like the magnetic fields around the sunspots.
Kids enjoy to playing with them.
> Instructions magnetic fields experiment
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CREATE A SUN-EARTH MODEL
For smaller events.
If you want to do the luxury version, make models with magnetic Sunspots.
> Instructions Sun-Earth model
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DO YOUR GLASSES PROTECT YOU FROM UV-LIGHT?
Have visitors test their sunglasses (and other materials) using UV-beads.
Unfortunately, none of these activities work really well for very young children.
However, they will always be there with their parents.
I do have a plan for a toddler activity and will update the site
as soon as there is an occasion for making it happen.
Science on a Table - the Sun 