Magnetosphere & Aurora Borealis
Slideshow introduction - student created Google Slide presentation (15 minutes)
→ overview of the topic and the science behind the Auroras as well as some native mythology around the auroras
→ time for student questions
Rotation 1 (15 minutes)Rotation 2 (15 minutes)Rotation 3 (15 minutes)
WHEREHallwayClassroomClassroom
WHOMiddle school studentsTeacherTeacher/Parent
MATERIALSWearable signs (string and paper plate) - painted with florescent paint
Darkened enclosure with black light
Fluorescent painted auroral display
Floor markings for the sun and path of the solar wind (path marked in yarn)
Workbook page 42-43
Bar magnet
Iron filings
Tray
Piece of paper
Styrofoam ball cut in half to represent the earth
Colored pencils for students to label the diagram after demo
Chalk pastels
Black paper
Thin piece of aluminum sheeting to represent an auroral curtain
Visual references (examples of the shapes, photos of aurora displays, etc.)
WHATMagnetosphere Simulation
(To show process of how the aurora is formed)
MS students created a darkened “room” and guided students through an interactive model of how the aurora is formed
Magnetic Field Demonstration
(adapted from “How the Earth Works”)

Teacher demonstration to teach about polarity and magnetic field
Auroral Display ART
Students used chalk pastels to recreate the colors and shapes of auroral display
Content focus: Learn about the different shapes of auroral displays
NGSS Alignment
Full, more detailed outline of standards & progressions → NGSS Progressions
Earth Science
ESS1.A The universe and its stars
ESS1.B Earth and the solar system
ESS2.A Earth materials and systems

Physical Science
PS1.A Structure of matter (includes PS1.C Nuclear processes)
PS1.B Chemical reactions
PS2.A Forces and motion
PS2.B Types of interactions
PS3.A Definitions of energy
PS3.B Conservation of energy and energy transfer
PS3.C Relationship between energy and forces
PS4.B Electromagnetic radiation
Earth Science
ESS1.B Earth and the solar system
ESS2.A Earth materials and systems

Physical Science
PS2.A Forces and motion
PS2.B Types of interactions
PS3.A Definitions of energy
PS3.B Conservation of energy and energy transfer
PS3.C Relationship between energy and forces
PS4.B Electromagnetic radiation
Earth Science
ESS1.A The universe and its stars
ESS1.B Earth and the solar system
ESS2.A Earth materials and systems

Physical Science
PS1.A Structure of matter (includes PS1.C Nuclear processes)
PS1.B Chemical reactions
PS2.A Forces and motion
PS2.B Types of interactions
PS3.A Definitions of energy
PS3.B Conservation of energy and energy transfer
PS3.C Relationship between energy and forces
PS4.B Electromagnetic radiation
Modifications: Visuals with labels, models
Notes & Other resources:
Northern Lights - A to Z by Mindy Dwyer
Aurora - A Tale of Northern Lights by Mindy Dwyer
Northern Lights - The Science, Myth, and Wonder of Aurora Borealis (photography by Calvin Hall & Daryl Peterson, essay by George Beyson
Skye Sisters by Jac Bourdeau Waboose