Exploring the aurora through art and writing
What is Dancing Lights?

Dancing Lights is a science-in-literacy program about the aurora. Students in grades 3-5 write and illustrate their perceptions, ideas, and facts pertaining to auroral science. Dancing Lights is converting to a national program in 2008. Previously, the program name was 'Colorado Lights.' We are pleased to present Dancing Lights to you and your students and sincerely hope you enjoy participating.


Lessons and Materials
These standard-based lessons are meant to serve as guidelines for auroral studies and can be taught in conjunction with contest activites or independently.

Lesson packet (pdf)
Complete contest info (Colorado) (pdf)
Aurora photos
Colorado State Standards


Three ways to introduce students to the aurora:

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Recommended Reading
(All are available on Amazon.com)

Teacher Resources
Links open in a new window.

Space Weather Welcome (MetEd site, Free registration required)
Animated video of solar activity (courtesy of NASA)
Info on Aurora (David Stern, NASA)
Auroras are “mirror images” (University of Iowa)
Trees: Making a world of difference! (A similar science, art & literacy program by IGES)
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