Science Activity

Grades K-4

Background

One of the scientific instruments in the Genesis spacecraft is the ion concentrator. This device is designed to collect specific types of solar wind. It is basically a parabolic mirror which is micro-stepped (or reflect light) and a very fine grid and very thin screens to allow the collection of only ions (positively or negatively charged particles). In this activity students experiment with a parabola and simulate the collection of ions onto the target of the concentrator.

Science Standards

Science As Inquiry
   Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry
   Understandings about scientific inquiry
Physical Science
   Position and motion of objects
   Light, heat, electricity, and magnetism
Science and Technology
   Abilities to distinguish between natural objects and objects made by humans
Science in Personal and Social Perspectives
   Science and technology in local challenges

Student Product

Model of the Genesis spacecraft's concentrator

Materials

• Plastic cup
• Five rubber balls
• One meter curved surface (3/4 inch copper tubing works well)
• Student activity sheet

Activity

1. Show the class a photo of a satellite dish. Ask students questions similar to the following:
   -What does a satellite dish do? (Students may say that it helps the television receive channels)
   -What does it collect? (Students may suggest television signals, waves or pictures)
   - What shape is the dish? (Students may call this a dish shape, crescent or curve)
   - What are some other instruments that collect light? (telescopes, cameras, mirrors, solar cookers)
2. Explain to students that the Genesis spacecraft has a concentrator that collects special types of atoms from the sun.
3. Explain that they will model how this instrument works by playing a game.
4. Place students into groups of 3 or 4.
5. Distribute the materials to the student groups. Have the groups set up their apparatus as in the diagram.
6. Challenge the students to roll the rubber balls so that they bounce off the curve and go into the cup.
7. Tell students that after a few trials, they may adjust the curve and experiment so that they are able to get the balls in the cup each time.
8. Each student should get at least five turns.
9. Explain to students that in this model the rubber balls represent the solar wind particles as they enter the Genesis solar wind concentrator.
10. Have the students draw a picture that shows the motion of the rubber balls at each step of the game.

Going Further

• Another example of a parabola is a solar cooker. Have interested students build one to cook a hot dog. Here are the directions for the hot dog cooker assembly in PDF format.   
• Older students might be interested in learning more about the Genesis Concentrator.

Resources

http://set.lanl.gov/programs/LASSO/LASSOTchr/Instruments/ion_pool.htm
Original concentrator activity from Los Alamos Space Science Outreach

http://www.chem4kids.com/
Chemistry background for kids