THE MAGIC OF LIGHT

In the course of the interactive workshop the international students were introduced to some scientific facts and legends about the Aurora

   The workshop offered an exciting journey into the world of the Northern Lights (or Aurora). The students explored the magic of this phenomenon by combining scientific facts and legends from different cultures.

   At first, is was the scientific basis of the Northern Lights – The host Bulgarian teacher, Ms Ani Pavlova and Ms Pepa Pavlova, explained how the aurora occurs, what causes its colors, and why we see it in the polar regions.

   The next stage of our journey was myths and cultural legends - The students looked at myths and legends related to the Northern Lights from various peoples, including Inuit, Sami and Scandinavian peoples. Three Bulgarian students read their stories, which they had done in advance as homework assignment “My contemporary legend about the Northern Lights”.

    Hands-on activities followed in the course of the workshop - The participants created their own 'Aurora' drawings using a technique with colour chalks and black paper.

   The workshop explained the physical processes such as the solar wind, the Earth's magnetic field and its influence on the colors of the aurora. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czMh3BnHFHQ

    Lovers of science, nature and folklore, as well as anyone who wants to learn more about the northern lights and combine knowledge with creativity felt comfortable while participating in the workshop. Everyone learned both the scientific side of the Northern Lights and how they have inspired people throughout the ages. The activity was also an opportunity to express their creativity by creating their own images of the aurora.