Social Studies

High point

New discoveries, experiments and mathematical calculations at the end of the 19th century made it possible to understand the phenomena of the northern lights and southern lights. We investigate the northern lights through conversation and practical experiments with electricity, magnetism and vacuum.

In this teaching plan, the students are given a tour of the Instrument - Tales of Science . We identify the various parts of the northern lights through practical experiments and create real northern lights under laboratory conditions as scientists did around 1900.

NB! Show up no later than 10 minutes before the lesson. Failure to attend without cancellation 7 days in advance will result in a NOK 500 fee.

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Suitable for 5.-7. steps

Maximum 28 students

Science / Physics

Duration 45 min

What happens in this teaching program?

Curriculum and competence targets

Science:

Exploring electric and magnetic forces through experiments
Discuss the use of electricity in daily life
Give examples of how scientific knowledge has developed and is developing

Description of the lesson

The supervisor meets the class at reception and we go to the exhibition together.

We introduce the topic and students help carry out different experiments with electricity, magnetism and vacuum. Finally, we put the experiments together and make the northern lights!

Our activities can be linked to Professor Kristian Birkeland's aurora research around the turn of the century, and several of his original aurora instruments can be found in the exhibition.

Practical information

The teacher's role

We want you as an adult to be active, participating and curious. Teachers are responsible for the group throughout the visit and may be asked to help along the way. Explainer is responsible for implementing the program.

Before the visit

Our teaching plans do not require preparatory work, but it is always useful to prepare students for a museum visit. Feel free to show pictures or video from the museum, tell us about what will happen, and see our digital resources that can be used for pre- and post-work.

After the visit

Reflect and discuss with the students after the lesson, preferably in groups.

You meet one of us!

Others

Pupils and museum pedagogue in the instrument exhibition

Girl pumping air into a balloon in a booth while classmates watch

Common questions and answers

What happens on arrival?

One of the teachers in the group approaches the reception. We will then register that you have arrived and you will be allocated a cloakroom space and possibly cabinet for locking up valuables.

Arrive at the museum no later than 10 minutes before the start of the program. Let us know if you will be delayed by phone. 22 79 60 00. If you arrive late, the learning offer may be shortened or cancelled.

Is this teaching offer free?

Our teaching programs are free, but you have to pay for the entrance ticket to the museum. You can only book one arrangement per visit.

Separate prices apply to teachers, pupils and school classes.

What payment methods do you have?

Kindergartens and schools can pay by cash/card on arrival or receive an invoice. For invoices, you must include the requisition or resource number and invoice address.

Do we have access to the entire museum?

Yes! Access to the museum's exhibitions is included in the ticket for school visits. You are most welcome to explore the exhibitions both before and after the lessons.

Where can we have a lunch break?

You can eat the packed lunch in different places; in the cafe, at the reception and outside the museum entrance. It is not allowed to eat or drink in the exhibitions.

What rules apply to school visits?

At The Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology the same rules apply as at school/kindergarten. We will

be role models for each other
be kind to each other and the exhibits
use consensus
don't run.

ATTENTION: Everything behind barriers must not be touched.

Then we all have fun and contribute to a good learning experience. If you decide that your group can visit the museum shop, the teacher must be present as long as some of the children are there.

Resources

Below you will find various resources that can help prepare students for a museum visit.

Educator with school class in a science exhibition

Wonder question

Do you know any other names for northern lights and southern lights?
How high up in the atmosphere do you think the northern lights occur? We usually calculate the height of mountains in meters above sea level. If you think about it that way, how high above sea level can you imagine you would have to travel to hit the underside or the lowest of the northern lights? Tip: it's quite high, so it might pay to convert meters to kilometers in your answer.
What was the name of the most famous Northern Lights researcher in Norway around the year 1900? And where did he work?
What colors can we see in the northern lights? And which of these colors is the most common to see there?

To the exhibition Transport and transport

Traffic and transport

In the exhibition you will find fragile hot air balloons and large planes, wobbly bicycles and powerful motorbikes, an entire steam locomotive and a large number of cars.