We hope these activities inspire you to explore the wonders of Northern Lights STEM with your child.
Northern Lights Sensory Bin: Create a sensory bin filled with materials that represent the colors and textures of the Northern Lights. Use blue and green rice or dyed cotton balls to mimic the swirling lights against a dark night sky. Add in star-shaped sequins or glow-in-the-dark stars for added sensory exploration.
Northern Lights Sensory Tray: This easy and fun experiment just needs some (expired) milk, food coloring, soap, and q-tips to swirl colors like Northern Lights in the sky. It’s a great chance to be an artist and talk about why the colors stay separate due to surface tension.
Aurora Art Collage: Get out the art materials such as tissue paper, glitter, and paint. Encourage your child to create a collage depicting the Northern Lights. Discuss the different colors and patterns they choose to incorporate into their artwork and how it reflects their understanding of this natural phenomenon.
Music-inspired Painting: This simple activity inspires artistic expression and movement to feel the Northern Lights! All you need is some music and inspires the paint to swirl.
STEM Storytime: Choose STEM-themed books that explore the science of the Northern Lights and read them together as a family. After reading, engage your child in a discussion about the story and its scientific concepts.
Want more ideas? Check out the Hands-On Aurora Activities page from University of Alaska’s Museum of the North
