In this lesson developed by the Arctic Eider Society, students explore the origins of the northern lights, including the concepts of solar wind, entry of particles in the earth’s atmosphere and magnetic lines at the poles, in order to better understand these lights that dance across the polar skies.
1. Northern Lights
First, students explore the science behind northern lights and learn about photons, magnetic poles, the magnetosphere, the atmosphere and its gases.
2. Activity
Students use a magnet and a compass to deepen their understanding of magnetic fields. This simple activity allows them to visualize quickly the field generated around the magnet by tracing it on a sheet of paper. A series of reflection questions can then lead them to transfer this new knowledge to the topic of this lesson: northern lights.
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