There is a great deal of information on the web about plasmas -- so much information and at so many different levels that it is difficult for a teacher who needs clear, concise information to sort through it all. This website, designed by teachers for teachers, represents a "best of the web."
Teachers wishing to incorporate Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) () will find plasma science links applicable to many topics. Each site is evaluated against a CPS rubric (pdf/ | doc) that includes significant adherence to NGSS.
PHET Interactive Simulations: The numerous interactive simulations are excellent support for understanding science and math concepts, including motion, waves, radiation charge, etc. Though the supportive materials address many concepts related to plasma fusion, a search resulted in no information defining or explaining plasma, the fourth state of matter, or fusion. This site is produced through University of Colorado Boulder.
Physics Central: Click on "Discover" and you will be directed to a number of plasma related topics, including "electricity and magnetism," or "space and the universe." A source for physicist bios, blogs, podcasts, You Tube clips, comic/coloring books, experiments for students, and more. You can "Ask-a-Physicist" questions. A product of American Physical Society.
Plasmas Physics and Fusion: A section of the Contemporary Physics Education Project (CPEP) website that offers a fusion chart, an online fusion course, Instructor's Manual and Student Activities.
Wikipedia: Plasma (Physics): This site is strictly informational. It has easily understood explanations of the function of plasma and plasma uses. It also provides links to other sites for further explanation of specific details.
1. General Info
Earth & Space Science Resources: This terrific PK-5 website provides a library of printable worksheets, lesson plans, hands-on activities and more, all searchable by grade and subject matter.
Astronomy Magazine: Astronomy is an online magazine providing monthly issues, which include science reporting, vivid color photography, complete sky-event coverage, observing tips, informative telescope reviews, blogs, features, sky events, and an "Ask Astro" link. It is a subscription magazine. However, you can find an abundance of information just visiting the site, which includes links to magazines dating back to 1973, providing a historical timeline for the field of astronomy. Although there are few references to "plasma," the site is an excellent resource for space science.
Astronomical Society of the Pacific: A resource for information, opportunities, photos, and power point presentations with instructor guides. The organization designs and delivers astronomy toolkits, programs, publications and education guides.
Challenger Center: As the website notes: "Challenger Center and its global network of Challenger Learning Centers use space-themed simulated learning and role-playing strategies to help students bring their classroom studies to life and cultivate skills needed for future success, such as problem solving, critical thinking, communication and teamwork."
CHIPS, Cosmic Hot Interstellar Plasma Spectrometer: This satellite studies the Interstellar Medium (ISM), the plasma between stars. It studies the "Local Bubble." Contains many links and K-12 Classroom lessons.
: This site has many beautiful images and downloadable "sounds" from space. It is very easy to use and understand. Most of the information is designed for students in high school and beyond.
Imagine the Universe: Excellent site designed for students 14 and up. It includes a multitude of resource information, links, classroom activities, connections with scientists, curriculum and a great number of references to plasma.
: NASA Wavelength is part of the NASA Share the Science site. It is "a collection of resources that incorporate NASA content and have been subject to peer review. You can search this collection using key words and/or the drop down menus to pinpoint resources to use with your audience of learners." However, in all of the resources provided on matter, energy and energy resources, there is no reference to plasma.
Space Weather Center: Excellent site! Includes the sun, plasmas, aurora, and storms in space. Numerous games, activities, e-cards and research. VERY interactive.
The Electronic Universe: The Electronic Universe: [A Science Outreach Server] Site by Univ. Oregon, Dept. Physics, Dr. Bothun (Dr. Darkmatter) about Space, Earth, Environment, Weather, Astronomy (Pine Mountain Observatory), Physics and other courses - all with additional links, e.g. Hubble, LIGO, Caltech very many more...
UCAR Center for Science Education: This University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) site provides resources for teacherse and "Aspiring Scientists." Also visit the NCAR/UCAR Education and Outreach page.
2. Solar Plasmas
NASA/Marshall Solar Physics Group: Comprehensive descriptions of solar physics including solar plasmas. Very user friendly. Includes research scientists' names, addresses and email. Answers "Why We Study the Sun," "Big Questions," "Magnetism," and more. Content only. No ready-made lessons.
Solar Flare Theory: This site answers such questions as "What is a solar flare? Why study solar flares?" It describes the formation of plasma in solar flares. It also has an excellent glossary. In general this site is most appropriate for grades 9-12.
Stanford Solar Center: This site is a collection of multi-disciplinary, interactive exercises and activities based on the Sun and solar science, most geared to grades 4-12. Most of these have been aligned to science standards and approved by the NASA Product Review process. From the home page you can find your way to exercises for both students and teachers.
Solar Flares & Coronal Mass Ejections.
Yohkoh Public Outreach Project (Solar Events): YPOP [Yohkoh Public Outreach Project] - Images/activities from Yohkoh (sunbeam in Japanese) solar satellite, 1991-2001, with dated but very useful images and activities and current links such as SciLink, SOHO and others. Supported by Lockheed Martin Solar and Astrophysics and Montana State Physics Department.
3. Magnetospheric Plasmas
IMAGE Science Center P.O.E.T.R.Y web site: Hands-on lessons for students and teachers, sorted by content, grade level, and web-based. The activities highlight the plasma in nature (Earth's magnetic field, auroras) and show science as a human endeavor.
4. Auroras
Newton's Apple - Aurora Borealis: This Teacher's Guide, designed to support a segment on auroras from the PBS series "Newton's Apple," provides a good basic description, along with one classroom experiment, a glossary, resources, and a link to the video.
NASA: A Lightning Primer: A site that grabs you with tales of lightning strikes that launch satellites, rockets and more. Nice photos and graphics. Does a good job of explaining why lightning research is important in terms of safety, technology, etc. Does not mention plasma, though it does describe the properties of ionized gas.
UCAR Center for Science Education: Thunder and Lightning: Basic description of how lightning forms and why it "strikes," with associated weather links. It does not explain it as a plasma phenomenon, although the UCAR site devotes a page to Plasma with reference to solar prominences and auroras.
Thunderbolts.info: An ongoing collection of articles and papers centered on the role of electricity. Includes current and archived papers on plasma.
The "Lightning Basics" page is the first in a series that includes lightning types, lightning detection and lightning forecasting. A side bar provides links to resources for educators, students and everyone.
This kid-friendly site, with cartoonish graphics and text, uses a simple question and answer method to educate the reader about lightning. It includes definitions of key scientific terms, safety tips, and - best of all - a series of simple "lightning activities," safe and simple experiments that can be performed with materials most kids are likely to have on hand.
How Stuff Works - Neon vs Fluorescent Light: Explains the difference between neon and fluorescent lights. Simple and informative. No mention of ionized gas as plasma. Site allows you to search for plasma-related questions.
The Fluorescent Lamp: As part of the "Exploration of the Earth's Magnetosphere" site, this one page gives a basic overview of how a fluorescent light works, and how it involves plasma.
CPEP, Contemporary Physics Education Project: CPEP offers a number of helpful charts, with topics that include Fundamental Particle and Interactions, Nuclear Science, and Plasma Physics and Fusion. The website helps explicate the charts and provides helpful links to related material.
Culham Center for Fusion Energy: This site provides a good introduction to fusion, both written and video. A brochure that can be downloaded and used as a resource in the classroom. Although most of the information is available elsewhere, check out educational resources for some unique instructions on how to build a paper replica of a fusion machine. There is also a workbook for high-level students, but it is focused on preparation for a visit to the Culham Center.
EUROfusion: Resources for educators: An overview of fusion basics, as well as a "Talk and Tell" link to downloadable slides that explain what a tokamak is, and introduce tokamaks like JET and ITER.
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory: This site focuses on the LLNL National Ignition Facility, which uses lasers to create fusion. The site invites you to learn more about fusion and lasers. The sidebar provides links to how lasers work, local outreach opportunities (Laser Road Show!), and teacher development programs.
General Atomics Fusion Education: The site provides excellent downloadable high-school level materials, though some links need improvement. Provided on this site are: a one-page explanation of fusion; limited downloads of curricula, posters on plasma science and fusion; a fusion workbook, presentation downloads, instructions on building a vacuum chamber, an "Ask the Wizard" link, and more. Some of the links have pop up warnings or security alerts.
RGDX Online LAB – Remote Glow Discharge Experiment: The Remote Glow Discharge Experiment is housed at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory. The experiment allows you to create and observe a plasma in a glow-discharge tube, in real time. You can control the current and the magnets, to get an idea of how researchers control the plasma in a fusion device. Links provide excellent explanations of plasma, pressure, electrode voltage, electromagnets and more.
Science Action: How does a plasma contribute to a fusion reaction?: A team of Princeton University students created this video to explain the role of plasma in fusion and the distinct ways engineers control it to optimize the rate of reaction.
The Internet Plasma Physics Education eXperience (IPPEX): Excellent basic introduction to plasma and fusion energy, with educational interactive tutorials. The viewer can operate a virtual tokamak and analyze data. Explains pros and cons of fusion vs. fossil fuels. Very responsive to e-mail questions.
Colorful, fun and relatively simple explanation of fusion power.
A basic introduction to plasma spray coating from the commercial coating service "Performance Engineered Components." Although it is does not offer any teacher or student resources, it provides link to other pages for deeper understanding.
Nature of Thermal Spray Coatings: This describes/illustrates a commercial process of using plasma for durable unique coatings.
Ad Astra Rocket Company: Ad Astra Rocket Company (AARC) is a rocket propulsion company dedicated to the advanced development of plasma rocket propulsion technology. It is developing VASIMR (Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket) and associated technologies. The site provides a good explanation of plasma and how it works in rocket propulsion. It includes models and videos.
Franklin Chang Diaz - Ask the Expert (NOVA): A former NASA astronaut answers questions about plasma rockets. Franklin Chang-Diaz answers questions from students of all ages and provides links to the PBS video of the astronaut talking about plasma and rocket propulsion. Also see video about Plasma Rockets.
How Stuff Works - Fusion Propulsion: This site is an encyclopedia of how things work and how things will work. "Fusion Propulsion" includes an explanation of how fusion technology will be applied in the future to rocket propulsion. It links to other "How Stuff Works" sites, including rocket engines, NASA, the sun, stars, etc. Students have opportunities to visit this site and seek further explanations whenever they find unfamiliar terms. This site also runs distracting adds for cell phones, etc.
Ions in Action: The experiment of rubbing a balloon on your hair to pick up confetti segues into a discussion of ions. Although it does not mention plasma directly, it does state that in an ion propulsion engine a charge is given to xenon gas.
How Stuff Works - Plasma Displays: In this site students will see evidence of "Science and technology," "Science as a human endeavor," etc., because these applications of plasma technology have become available to consumers during students' lifetimes.
INTERACTIVE
These sites provide exemplary, interactive materials for students to explore fusion and plasma science concepts.
IMAGE Science Center P.O.E.T.R.Y web site: Hands-on lessons for students and teachers, sorted by content, grade level, and web-based. The activities highlight the plasma in nature and show science as a human endeavor.
: The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory provides magnetism-related resources for kids, teens, adults/college students and . There are links to interactive tutorials on a large variety of physics topics.
Physics 2000: Good, simple and fun interactive site that deals with electromagnetic waves, microwaves, X-rays and lasers. Extensive set of interactive Java applets illustrating various concepts of modern physics; accessible for all ages. Plasmas not specifically discussed but many interactive applets are relevant to plasma processes.
Stanford Solar Center: This site is a collection of multi-disciplinary, interactive exercises and activities based on the Sun and solar science, most geared to grades 4-12. Most of these have been aligned to science standards and approved by the NASA Product Review process. From the home page you can find your way to exercises for both students and teachers.
The Internet Plasma Physics Education eXperience (IPPEX): Excellent basic introduction to plasma and fusion energy, with educational interactive tutorials. The viewer can operate a virtual tokamak. Explains pros and cons of fusion vs. fossil fuels. Very responsive to e-mail questions.
lNOT INTERACTIVE
Finding out about physics: This site for high school students from the American Physical Society provides support for students wondering about studying physics and possibly becoming a physicist.
STScI Communications and Outreach: This outreach page of the Space Telescope Science Institute site is a gateway into educational activities for students, teachers and the general public.
Fermilab Education Office: Excellent; many links, lessons, major nuclear topics, projects, pages for student and teacher.
How Van de Graff Generators Work: A colorful site that explains how mechanical devices work in a way young students can understand. Includes instructions on how to build a Van de Graff generator.
Khan Academy: Under "Courses" find numerous topics with excellent animations. There is only one brief reference to plasma, found in "States of Matter Follow-up" (in the AP College Chemistry section).
MIT Open Course Ware – high school, Highlights for High School: Includes introductory MIT courses best for high school students, video demonstrations to help teachers explain concepts and students understand them, helps for studying for Physics exams.
Physics Central: This site contains articles and links to "everything you ever wanted to know" about physics. Most of it is aimed at high school and above. Sponsored by the American Physical Society.
Plasma on the Internet: Contains Who's Who in Atomic/Plasma Physics, bibliography and glossary. Recommended for physicists and college students. Good information on careers and educational programs. Mainly for graduate students.
Science of NFL Football: NBC has created a series of engaging videos that use the game of football to science lessons on everything from the Pythagorean Theorem to Newton’s First Law of Motion.
ABC's of Nuclear Science: This site explains an excellent nuclear wall chart. It provides details of the nucleus and nuclear changes/reactions, definitions & diagrams. There is a page on how to build a cosmic ray detector.Produced by the Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory Nuclear Science Division.
Activities to Explore - Stanford Solar Center: Part of the Stanford Solar Center site. Provides hands-on activities and lesson plans for students, showing how to conduct actual observations by building spectroscopes and other instruments.
American Physical Society: High School Physics Teachers: This site provides teachers with Physics teaching resources, as well as links to professional societies for physics teachers.
ASPIRE: Excellent site with lots of interactive lessons, created by teachers for teachers. While there is no specific mention of plasma, there are related topics, including wave basics and star life cycle.
Best Education Sites: This site targets a variety of fundamental Astronomy and Space education websites, some of which are specifically evaluated in this CPS guide. The linked sites vary in quality and quantity of information from being strictly bulleted information bites with photos to very expansive sources of information, interactive activities, tools and sources. The links are mostly excellent and up to date, though the original project began in 2011.
CINDI - Coupled Ion Neutral Dynamics Investigation (at UT Dallas): You need to click on the education bar to get to the education section. On this site you will find a collection of teaching and education resources for grades 6-9 about the CINDI project, the Earth's atmosphere, space weather, the scale in the Earth-Moon system, satellites and rockets and more.
STEM Rising: This site is one-stop shopping for educational materials and opportunities provided by Department of Energy sponsored laboratories and offices. Teachers will find lesson plans, workshops and research opportunities.
STScI Communications and Outreach: This outreach page of the Space Telescope Science Institute site is a gateway into educational activities for students, teachers and the general public. Go to "Amazing Space" for K-12 lesson plans, including black holes, stars, etc. Detailed plans and activities are available, evaluated against national science standards. Instead of using the word "plasma" the site refers to "ionized particles" or simply "gases." The site is most noteworthy for it's breathtaking images of space plasmas from the Hubble telescope.
Fermilab Education Office: Excellent; many links, lessons, major nuclear topics, projects, pages for student and teacher.
Genesis: Search for Origins: This site provides a cluster of K-12 science modules for teachers, using Genesis Mission as a real world link to capture student interest. Some modules are plasma-related. A NASA site.
IMAGE Science Center P.O.E.T.R.Y web site: Hands-on lessons for students and teachers, sorted by content, grade level, and web-based. The activities highlight the plasma in nature and show science as a human endeavor.
: Under "Courses" find numerous topics with excellent animations. There is only one brief reference to plasma, found in "States of Matter Follow-up" (in the AP College Chemistry section).
: The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory provides magnetism-related resources for kids, teens, adults/college students and . There are links to interactive tutorials on a large variety of physics topics.
MIT Haystack Observatory Lesson Plans: A list of space-oriented lesson plans for teachers. The sidebar can direct you to Research Experiences for Teachers, Pre-College resources and Public Outreach Activities.
MIT Open Course Ware – high school, Highlights for High School: Includes introductory MIT courses best for high school students, video demonstrations to help teachers explain concepts and students understand them, helps for studying for Physics exams.
NASA Education: The NASA Education page is a gateway to all their educational websites. You'll also find News, Learning Resources, Internet Resources, Multimedia Resources, Contacts for Educators, Professional Development and Student Opportunities. It's a great site to explore.
NASA STEM Engagement: Provides major links to NASA internet sources for educators.
Plasma 101 - Daily Lesson Plan: A pen and paper activity from the New York Times Learning Network requiring research skills and critical thinking. Students elicit information about the definition of plasma from selected examples then create "How It Works" posters about particular forms of plasma, and reflect on the importance of funding for plasma research.
Science of NFL Football: NBC has created a series of engaging videos that use the game of football to science lessons on everyting from the Pythagorean Theorem to Newton’s First Law of Motion.
Solar Maximum Resources for Educators: Live data, exciting graphics and interesting lesson plans should be helpful to teachers interested in teaching students about the solar/sunspot cycle and solar maximum. Also provides lists of sites that provide the latest data and educational images. Part of the larger Mission to Geospace Site.
A Menu of NASA Education Resources: A convenient way to find NASA space science products for use in the classroom. There are hundreds of resources here, searchable by grade and topic.
Stanford Solar Center: This site is a collection of multi-disciplinary, interactive exercises and activities based on the Sun and solar science, most geared to grades 4-12. Most of these have been aligned to science standards and approved by the NASA Product Review process. From the home page you can find your way to exercises for both students and teachers.
Sun-Centered Physics: Teacher Linda Knisely's page provides lesson plans (Grades 11-12) on four sun-centered topics, including the electromagnetic spectrum. She provides focused links to specific NASA websites. Excellent higher-level detail. Explains many of the physical phenomena that occur on the Earth as a direct result of the Sun-Earth interaction.
Teacher Link – NASA Regional Educator Resource Center: This excellent site, provided by Utah State University College of Education, provides a multitude of resources, including educator curriculum guides, print resources, online resources, NASA videos and multimedia, and daily blogs providing the most current links to apps and other resources.
The Exploration of the Earth's Magnetosphere: The materials are directed toward the high school level. However, the information and explanations are a wonderful resource for a teacher at any level. There are no activity plans for teaching students.
The National Center for Atmospheric Research & the UCAR Office of Programs: NCAR's student & teacher friendly site with topics of Astronomy and the Universe Physics about atoms, particles, plasma, Sun, etc. Levels: Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced Lessons/activities.
Van de Graaf Electrostatic Generator Page: This site provides everything you will need to purchase or construct and operate a Van de Graaf Electrostatic Generator, as well as links to other related sites.