A globe is useful, but not essential. 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. 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.
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.