A Self-Guided Lesson on the What, Where, and How of
Auroras in the Earth's Atmosphere.
by Mish Denlinger
- General Subject Areas: Atmospheric Science, Space Physics
- Best for Grades: 6-12
- Student Prerequisites: browser skills, basic geography, basic
concepts of electric charge and magnetic fields.
- Time Requirements: Approximately 1-3 hours
of class time for the basic lesson.
- Materials Required: most materials are on-line. A globe is useful,
but not essential.
Overview:
Students go an a tour of auroral phenomena through research
images and taped interviews with scientists. Diagrams and text provide
background on qualitative magneto-dynamics. Explanations of locations of
auroral zones on the Earth. Variations in color are used to introduce spectroscopy.
Unit Features:
- RealAudio answers to questions about: (links download
RA files)
- Link to QuickTime movie of the aurora borealis
- Link to aurora forecasts at University of Alaska's Geophysical
Institute
- Page of additional links to aurora sites.
Summary of Learning Objectives:
- Students become familiar with auroral phenomena and where
they appear on the Earth's surface.
- Students can relate auroras on Earth to activity on the
Sun, and understand the mechanism that produces auroras.
- Students become familiar with the study of auroras from
the Earth and from space.
Ties to National Science Education Standards
Student assessment questionnaire: knowledge and attitudes
Go To The Lesson@ Exploratorium: 
(Last Update: July 11, 1997)
1997
The Regents of the University of California
Mail questions or comments to outreach@cea.berkeley.edu