This is an activity that compares the magnetic field of the Earth to the complex magnetic field of the Sun. Using images of the Earth and Sun that have magnets attached in appropriate orientations, learners will use a handheld magnetic field... (View More) detector to observe the magnetic field of the Earth and compare it to that of the Sun, especially in sunspot areas. For each group of students, this activity requires use of a handheld magnetic field detector, such as a Magnaprobe or a similar device, a bar magnet, and ten small disc magnets. (View Less)

This is an activity about the movement of sunspots. Learners will project an image of the Sun using a telescope, binoculars, or a pinhole projector, observe and record sunspots over the course of several days, and calculate the speed of the observed... (View More) sunspots to, therefore, determine the rotation rate of the Sun. This activity is from the Touch the Sun educator guide. (View Less)