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COMPARING ELEMENTAL ABUNDANCE

Abstract:
One of the fundamental questions facing astronomers and astrophysicists is the origin of the elements that make up the universe around us. This investigation provides an opportunity to use data collected by scientists who work on answering that question. In the investigation the learner will first access Advance Composition Explorer (ACE) data to look for a correlation with known energetic solar events. Secondly, the learner will access ACE /SWEPAM data to determine if there is a correlation between the ratio of He⁺⁺ to H⁺ ions as compared with electron and proton fluxes (rates of particle flow). The ratio of He⁺⁺ to H⁺ found in the solar wind will also be compared to the ratio of He⁺⁺ to H⁺ found in the Sun. And finally, the learner will compare the relative abundance of elements found in the Earth as a whole, to those found in the Sun, to those found in the solar wind. In a science classroom, the investigation can be tied in with a unit on the periodic table, fusion, stellar evolution, and a variety of other Earth and space science topics. The select accompanying Educational Brief: Fusion & Nucleosynthesis

Outcome:
PART ONE

• The learner will access ACE spacecraft data, become proficient at using the ACE Data Interface to access ACE data, and will learn how to read logarithmic graphs.
  
  
• The learner will be able to research ACE data sets to look for correlations between available particle fluxes for some selected solar events.
  
  

PART TWO

• The learner will access ACE spacecraft data describing the ratio of He⁺⁺ to H⁺ ions as measured in the solar wind and will compare that data to electron and proton fluxes measured by ACE. They will also compare the solar wind ratio to the ratio of He⁺⁺ to H⁺ ions in the matter found in the Sun.
  
  
• The learner will compare elemental abundances found in the Earth to elemental abundances found in the Sun and in the solar wind as measured by the ACE spacecraft.
  
  

Suggested Grade Level & Duration:
Grades 9-12; 1 to 2 fifty-minute periods.

Materials:
The learner will need a computer with Internet access, a browser, a scientific calculator, and a pencil and paper.