The Sun and Convection Currents by Christian J. Mercado

Project:     NASA Heliophysics Teacher-Developed Lessons
Subject:Heliophysics
Theme:Heliophysics
Grades:9-12

In this lesson, students will learn about convective heat transfer processes that take place in the Sun. Hot plasma rises from the core towards the surface, where it cools and sinks back towards the core. This process forms convection cells that we see as solar granules. Students will see this convection process using simulators, the Swedish Solar Telescope: Solar Closeups website and by conducting a convection experiment.