Space Weather Quest

SPACE WEATHER

a Web Quest

Ray Gonzales

and

Peggy Greff

Introduction

The earth is under a constant barrage of subatomic particles and radiation streaming from the sun. This solar wind causes the incredible heavenly displays called the aurora and can wreak havoc with radio communication, satellites, and power transmission systems on the earth. The phenomena of space weather is becoming increasingly important as society relies more and more on satellite technology, yet very few people are aware of the tremendous impact space weather can have.

The Task

You are a member of a scientific task force appointed by congress to study and evaluate the impact of space weather on satellite and power transmission systems. You will prepare a research paper and a report in the form of a power point presentation to present the details of your research to congress. Your report should include an explanation of the solar wind and the earth's magnetosphere, as well as a history of catastrophic events in the past linked to solar storms. You should also make recommendations for reducing the chances of catastrophic events involving the International Space Station, communication satellites, and terrestrial power transmission systems.

The Process

Examine all of the sites listed below. Follow any and all links that might contain information and/or graphics you can use for your presentation.

Resources

Blackout!	Spaceweather1
SouthWest Research Institute	Spaceweather2
Animations	Space Scientists
IMAGE	Education
Resources	Earth Satellites

Evaluation

Your grade will be determined in the following ways.

A 5 page typed research paper on the topic.

A power point presentation to be presented to the class.

You will be evaluated with the following rubric.

Criteria Beginning Developing Accomplished Exemplary

Research Paper Does not collect
any information
that relates to the
topic.
0 points
Collects very little
information--some
relates to the topic
20 points
Collects some basic
information--most
relates to the topic.
30 points
Collects a great
deal of
information--all
relates to the topic
40 points

Presentation Does not present any information
0 points
Presentation has 1 to 10 slides
10 points
Presentation has 11 to 20 slides
20 points
Presentation has 21 or more slides
30 points

Presentation Content Content bears little relation to task
0 points
Content is somewhat relevant to task
10 points

Content is relevant to task
20 points
Outstanding content
30 points

Conclusion

After completing your research you should be able to describe the solar wind, sunspots and sun storms, and the magnetosphere. You should understand the effects solar weather has on terrestrial events. You should be aware of current research efforts to understand solar weather. You should realize the importance and need for research of space weather. You should know the names and functions of several NASA space imagery satellites. You should be aware of resources on the web to study space weather.

CREDITS

NASA

NOAA

SOUTHWEST RESEARCH FOUNDATION

REGION 20

Criteria	Beginning	Developing	Accomplished	Exemplary
Research Paper	Does not collect any information that relates to the topic. 0 points	Collects very little information--some relates to the topic 20 points	Collects some basic information--most relates to the topic. 30 points	Collects a great deal of information--all relates to the topic 40 points
Presentation	Does not present any information 0 points	Presentation has 1 to 10 slides 10 points	Presentation has 11 to 20 slides 20 points	Presentation has 21 or more slides 30 points
Presentation Content	Content bears little relation to task 0 points	Content is somewhat relevant to task 10 points	Content is relevant to task 20 points	Outstanding content 30 points