When this happens, electrons are stripped from the gases present in the Earth's atmosphere, resulting in light given off in the form of the auroras. Arrange ten pennies in a straight line on a smooth and flat surface. Place one nickel about 2 inches from the end of the row of pennies. Flick the penny so that it hits one end penny in the row. Students record results in science journal.
Students then practice the same procedure using different amounts of force with the nickel.
Students line the pennies up into two equal rows of five. Discuss how the concept of ionization is what creates the auroras. Assessment Understanding of topic will be evidenced through discussion, observation of experiment, and science journals.