Dear Educator,

Welcome to the Heart of the Sun, and to the mysteries and science of the Sun.

This guide has been designed and written as a supplement and accompaniment to the large-format film, the Heart of the Sun. The activities contained herein can be used before or after viewing the film. If they are to be completed before viewing the film, they will provide learning experiences that will develop understanding of the sun, and that will enhance student viewing of the film. Conversely, if you decide to have students view the film first, the film will present major ideas and "set the stage" for further learning that will follow as students do the activities. In either case, both the film and the activities will help broaden students' understanding of the sun, our solar system and scientific progress that has been made relative to the sun. The activities incorporate many cross-curricular connections, and students will begin to realize that scientific progress has major implications not only in science, but also in social science and mathematics. Activities have also been incorporated that encourage students to utilize their language arts skills, encouraging them to write and put into words what they have learned and to explore their creativity as they expand on what they have learned.

The lessons and activities have been designed primarily for students ages 9 to 11, but many of the activities can be augmented or adapted for younger and older students. The intent has been to provide activities that can be used easily by teachers, will capture and stimulate student interest, and that will be of genuine educational value to your curriculum and overall student learning.

Science has been defined as an interplay of evidence and hypotheses, and we hope as students view the film and do the activities that they will realize the importance of observation, accurate data collection (evidence) and continuing hypotheses.

An Italian proverb states that "All cannot live on the piazza, but everyone may enjoy the sun." We hope that you will both learn from and enjoy the Heart of the Sun. We also hope you find this guide to be useful as you explore the Heart of the Sun and many ancillary aspects of the Sun and astronomy.

Enjoy!

Donna L. Knoell, Ph.D.
Educational Consultant

Table of Contents

• Amazing Facts about the Sun
• Observing the Sun with a Pinhole Device
• Pinhole Optics Worksheet
• Labeling Our Solar System
• Creating a Timeline of Important Solar and Astronomical Happenings
• 10 Questions to be Answered about the Sun and Solar System
• Locating NASA's Centers and Affiliate Locations
• Student Reflections on Society's Reluctance to Accept New Ideas
• Solar Max Word Find
• Observing Sunspots on the Sun's Surface Using Images from the SOHO Spacecraft
• Sunspot Data Recording Worksheet
• Sunspot Data Recording Image
• Solar Coordinates Image
• Earth-Sun Geometry
• Earth-Sun Geometry Observation Sheet
• Are You Ready for Solar Max?
• Sunspot Activity Data
• The Sun's Fuel
• Glossary
• Bibliography