TV on a Rolling Cart

What causes the Northern Lights?

From Mystery Doug

What causes the Northern Lights?
6 minK1st2nd3rd4th5thScience
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Summary

Mystery Doug takes on a real kid's question -- "What causes the Northern Lights?" -- and follows the clues. Bits flung off the sun crash into gases high in our atmosphere, making them glow in green and pink curtains of light. A quick five-minute watch to spark curiosity and kick off a conversation.

Viewer safety

All ages
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Teaching resources

Discussion questions

Discussion

Doug investigates a question kids really asked: "What causes the Northern Lights?"

  1. What was Doug's answer to today's question, in your own words?
  2. What surprised you most about aurora, or what did you already know?
  3. What's one thing this makes you want to find out more about?

Quick work-a-long

Words to know: aurora, solar wind, atmosphere.

Try it: Explain the answer to "What causes the Northern Lights?" to someone at home using these three words, then write down one new question it made you wonder.