Educators
Bring the Magic of the Northern Lights into Your Classroom
@Teachers
Are you an educator passionate about inspiring the next generation of scientists? Do you teach astronomy, physics, or environmental science? Or perhaps you’re looking for engaging ways to connect students with real-world research? The SolarMaX project offers an exciting opportunity to bring the wonders of the northern lights into your classroom and engage students of all ages in hands-on learning.
Whether you teach in primary, secondary, or higher education, you can use the northern lights to introduce students to key concepts in physics, space science, and Earth’s atmosphere. By participating in the SolarMaX project, your students can contribute directly to cutting-edge research while deepening their understanding of the universe around them.
@Observation Night Planners
Calling all astronomy enthusiasts!
Do you run a planetarium or lead an astronomy or northern lights observation group? Are some of your members skilled in night sky photography and eager for a new challenge? We invite you to be part of the SolarMaX project!
By hosting observation nights and teaching others how to capture the beauty of the night sky with the extra information requested in the Handbook, you can help increase the number of valuable photographs that scientists will use for research during the FRAM2 mission. Get involved and make a meaningful contribution to science!
Learning activities
📷 NASA
For Primary School Students
Spark curiosity by introducing young learners to the magic of the northern lights through storytelling, art, and basic science concepts. Use visuals and videos to explain what the northern lights are and how they form. Encourage students to draw or paint their interpretations of the aurora and its vibrant colours. For more interactive lessons, you can create simple experiments to simulate how particles interact with Earth's magnetic field.For Older Students
Build on foundational knowledge by exploring the physics behind the northern lights. Have students study the solar wind, Earth’s magnetic field, and how charged particles interact to create the aurora. You can integrate hands-on activities, like building a simple magnetometer to detect magnetic storms. Invite students to explore the myths and legends surrounding the northern lights from different cultures and indigenous tribes. This can provide a fascinating link between science and cultural history.
Educational Resources for your Classroom
Here you find a selection of resources to help you integrate northern lights and space science into your teaching:
Satellite Builder Website: Have your students simulate designing and launching a satellite to explore space science and understand how satellites are used to study phenomena like the aurora.
Space Science Comic Book "What is Aurora": Introduce younger students to the science behind the northern lights with this engaging comic book available in multiple languages.
NASA Space Place: All About the Aurora: A kid-friendly website that explains auroras through games, videos, and articles for young students.
Aurorasaurus: A citizen science project that allows students to track auroras in real-time and learn more about this natural phenomenon.
ESA - Space for Kids - The aurora: A resource from the European Space Agency that explains auroras and space weather in simple terms for kids – available in multiple languages.
Auroras | NOAA SciJinks – All About Weather: A NOAA/NASA website with interactive activities to explore the science behind auroras, perfect for middle schoolers.
The Aurora - Windows to the Universe: A comprehensive educational site with detailed information and activities for learning about auroras.
Engage your Classroom in Citizen Science
Encourage your students to become citizen scientists! SolarMaX offers a unique chance to blend classroom learning with real-world research. Students can contribute aurora photos, analyse data, and even help identify new features. Our project resources, including the Field Guide and Handbook, will guide you in integrating this research into your lesson plans.
By involving students in the SolarMaX project, you can inspire them to pursue careers in STEM fields while giving them the chance to actively participate in groundbreaking space research.