The Taiwan Geomagnetic Measurement Project aims to involve primary, middle, and high school students and teachers from all over Taiwan in a year-long effort to measure changes in the geomagnetic field across the country and create a geomagnetic map of Taiwan. The data obtained from this project will be made available to the public free of charge. Additionally, a partnership with collaborators in Buenos Aires, Argentina, at the Earth’s antipode point, will allow for a comparison of measurement data, helping students understand whether the geomagnetic field exhibits geometric symmetry.

The measurement method involves using the Phyphox app on mobile phones, utilizing the built-in magnetometer to measure the direction and strength of the geomagnetic field. Schools across Taiwan will participate in measuring the geomagnetic field every 15 days, recording the measurements along with photographs, and submitting the results through designated Google Forms. The project runs from July 2022 to July 2023, and the data collected will be analyzed to assess changes in the magnetic field over the course of a year. The data will then be organized and used to create visual representations, including videos in both Chinese and English uploaded to platforms such as YouTube and Facebook. The original data will also be permanently available on the official website for public use.

This entire measurement process will help students gain insights into magnetism, magnetic fields, and units of magnetic force. Long-term measurements will enable the creation of a geomagnetic change map for Taiwan. By comparing data with the antipodal location in Argentina, students will learn that the geomagnetic field is not perfectly symmetrical. Given the extended duration of the experiment, it will also cultivate students’ patience with scientific experiments. Furthermore, the project provides an opportunity to understand environmental change issues through scientific methods.

Additionally, mapping the geomagnetic field changes across Taiwan highlights the importance of every location, whether rural or urban, in scientific equity. Moreover, the geomagnetic field not only protects the Earth from space radiation but also influences migratory bird and animal behavior. Therefore, this activity promotes the foundation of basic science and fosters students’ awareness of environmental sustainability.