NASA & UAF Release "Journey Through the Heliosphere" Coloring Book for Grades 6–12 and Adults
NASA, in partnership with the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), has released a new educational coloring book titled "Journey Through the Heliosphere: The Sun-Earth System in Color."
The 28-page book is designed to educate students in grades 6–12 and adults about heliophysics.
Key Details
- Structure: 28 pages (11"x14") featuring science facts and coloring pages covering ten themes, including the Sun's magnetic field, solar wind, aurora, eclipses, and the Sun's influence on Earth.
- Cultural Integration: Includes a reference chart of solar terms in seven Alaska Indigenous languages, plus a glossary of scientific terms.
- Development: Produced over two years by staff from NASA, Oregon State University, the UAF International Arctic Research Center, and the Geophysical Institute.
- Community Input: Contributions from 13 Alaska Native language speakers.
- Online Resources: Links within the book connect to an online pronunciation guide for the translated words.
Background
The project originated from NASA's Heliophysics Education Activation Team (HEAT). The book aims to increase heliophysics literacy by blending art, science, and cultural perspectives.
Statements
Lynda McGilvary, head of the Geophysical Institute's education outreach team, described the effort as "a labor of love" and stated it "leverages the strengths of each organization" to support America's heliophysics literacy. She hopes the book encourages discussions about linguistic diversity and leads people to seek out heritage languages.
Availability
The entire coloring book or individual sections can be downloaded from:
https://science.nasa.gov/learn/heat/resource/journey-through-the-heliosphere-the-sun-earth-system-in-color/