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Kiuġiyaq The Northern Lights Elementary Guide

The image shows the northern lights, or aurora borealis, displaying vibrant green ribbons across a starry night sky. A silhouette of tall evergreen trees is visible at the bottom, framing the celestial spectacle.
This photo shows instances of the black aurora, the dark patches that sometimes form within an aurora where electrons escape upward.
Credit: Donna Lach
Levels
  • Introductory (K-5)
Material Type
  • Animation/Visualization
  • Activity/Hands-on
Heliophysics Topics
  • Aurora
  • Sun
  • Solar Wind
Heliophysics Missions
  • Parker Solar Probe
Material Cost per Learner Free
Language English

This standards-aligned unit with 11 activities explores aurora science and Iñupiaq cultural significance through multimedia resources and cultural perspectives. The comprehensive curriculum features a 25-minute video and six interactive multimedia components that blend scientific understanding with Indigenous knowledge. Activity-based assessments are included to support student learning evaluation. The curriculum is presented in English with key terms provided in two Iñupiaq dialects, and an online Alaska Native Language tool supports language inclusion in classroom settings. This unique resource honors both scientific and cultural approaches to understanding the aurora phenomenon.

Find the full set of resources here