Lesson plan

Pretty Lights, Pesky Problems

Students will investigate the visible and unseen impacts of geomagnetic storms on Earth and its technology, defining key vocabulary, analyzing scientific data, and constructing evidence-based explanations for how these solar events disrupt GPS signals. Ultimately, students will communicate complex scientific information about space weather impacts to a public audience through a Public Service Announcement (PSA).

Grades 9–12Space & Earth Systems
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Overview

Students investigate how geomagnetic storms disrupt GPS signals, beginning with images of the May 2024 aurora and an article on the cost of GPS malfunctions for farmers, which they answer using claim, evidence, reasoning. In a jigsaw activity they research vocabulary on solar activity, Earth's space environment, and GPS, then build a group slide presentation explaining how solar flares and CMEs lead to storms and signal disruption. They graph and interpret Kp index, Dst index, and Bz data from an October 2024 event. Students then create a public service announcement on space weather impacts, followed by a gallery walk with peer feedback and a self-reflection. The lesson is planned for 8-11 class periods.

Lesson Objectives

  • Identify the visible and unseen impacts of geomagnetic storms on Earth and its technology.
  • Define and explain key vocabulary terms related to solar activity, Earth's space environment, and GPS technology.
  • Explain the cause-and-effect relationship between solar events (flares, CMEs) and geomagnetic storms.
  • Analyze scientific data sets (e.g., Kp index, Dst index, Bz component) to identify patterns and correlations during space weather events.
  • Interpret graphical data to provide evidence that supports scientific explanations of GPS signal disruption.
  • Construct evidence-based explanations for how geomagnetic storms disrupt GPS signals.
  • Communicate complex scientific information about space weather impacts to a public audience through various media.
  • Evaluate the importance of space weather forecasting and mitigation strategies for modern society.

Standards

NGSS · 9

  • HS-ESS1-1Develop a model based on evidence to illustrate the life span of the sun and the role of nuclear fusion in the sun's core to release energy that eventually reaches Earth in the form of radiation.
  • HS-ESS1-4Use mathematical or computational representations to predict the motion of orbiting objects in the solar system.
  • HS-ESS2-4Use a model to describe how variations in the flow of energy into and out of Earth’s systems result in changes in climate.
  • HS-PS4-5Communicate technical information about how some technological devices use the principles of wave behavior and properties of electromagnetic radiation to transmit and capture information and energy.
  • SEP 4Analyzing and Interpreting Data
  • SEP 6Constructing Explanations Crosscutting Concepts
  • CCC 2Cause and Effect
  • CCC 4Systems and System Models
  • CCC 7Stability and Change

CCSS Math · 3

  • HSS-ID.B.6Represent data on two quantitative variables on a scatter plot, and describe how the variables are related.
  • MP1Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
  • MP3Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.

CCSS ELA · 17

  • RI.9-10.1 / RI.11-12.1Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
  • RI.9-10.2 / RI.11-12.2Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text.
  • RI.9-10.4 / RI.11-12.4Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including technical meanings in a scientific context.
  • W.9-10.1 / W.11-12.1Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
  • W.9-10.2 / W.11-12.2Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas clearly and accurately.
  • W.9-10.4 / W.11-12.4Produce clear and coherent writing appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
  • W.9-10.6 / W.11-12.6Use technology to produce and publish writing and to interact and collaborate with others.
  • W.9-10.8 / W.11-12.8Gather relevant information from authoritative sources and integrate the information selectively.
  • SL.9-10.1 / SL.11-12.1Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions.
  • SL.11-12.1.aCome to discussions prepared, having read and researched material under study; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence from texts and other research on the topic or issue to stimulate a thoughtful, well-reasoned exchange of ideas.
  • SL.9-10.2 / SL.11-12.2Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse media or formats.
  • SL.9-10.4 / SL.11-12.4Present information clearly, concisely, and logically so listeners can follow the line of reasoning.
  • SL.9-10.5 / SL.11-12.5Make strategic use of digital media in presentations.
  • LO 2.1ASummarize, explain, and evaluate the main idea and reasoning in a text or performance.
  • LO 2.3BEvaluate the relevance and credibility of source information.
  • LO 4.2AInterpret data or information.
  • LO 5.1BCommunicate information clearly and effectively using an appropriate medium.