ABSTRACT
This is a part of a set of activities that are designed to use the vehicle of astronomy to intruduce students with a non-science background to science activities that both enlighten and excite the students about science. Polls taken in the astronomy classes show that the study of Astronomy is one aspect of the educational experience about which students tend to show excitment and increased interest. This experience is not the same when compared to some of the more traditional sciences. If this student interest is utilized properly it becomes an advantage to the educator. Beginning students are limited in their ability to make detailed observations of an event. This exercise is designed to convince students to probe below the surface of things. Most of the interesting problems that scientists face are not necessarily understood at the first observation. The Sun gives us light, heat, and sustains life on Earth and yet most students don't consider the Sun to have a greater meaning than just the occurence of day and night. There are a number of events associated with the sun that offer opportunities to generate an interest in science. If students are brought to realize some of the processes, a spark of interest can be developed to cause them to "dig deeper" in their scietific observations and studies. Many studies of the Sun can be done with minimal traditional astronomy equipment. Thus, the cost of adding solar studies to the curriculum can be inexpensive if done with forethought and good planning. In that soalr laboratories can be done during the daytime, solar laboratory exercises reduce the scheduling load for traditional astronomy laboratories.