Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Light and Photosynthetic Pigments
What is light energy? Here we'll learn about the properties of light and how pigments such as chlorophylls absorb light energy.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Absorption of Radiant Energy by Different Colors
In this science fair project, use an infrared thermometer to measure the temperature of differently colored paper exposed to sunlight, and calculate energy emission using the Stefan-Boltzmann equation. Find discussion questions, a list...
OpenSciEd
Open Sci Ed: 6.2 Thermal Energy
This Thermal Energy unit has students investigating two ways to transfer energy into a drink: (1) the absorption of light and (2) thermal energy from the warmer air around the drink. They are then challenged to design their own drink...
Scholastic
Scholastic: Study Jams! Science: Light Absorption, Reflection, & Refraction
A video and a short quiz on the properties of light.
Kidport
Kidport: Light
Did you know that light is a form of energy and always travels in a straight line? Discover some more interesting facts about light.
Concord Consortium
Concord Consortium: Stem Resources: Excited States and Photons
Students are able to explore the effects of energy on excitation of atoms through simulations, then relate this information to photons at atoms' absorption and emission of light. Multiple-choice and short answer questions are found...
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Chemistry Simulation: Neon Lights
[Free Registration/Login Required] Neon lights are a type of discharge tube. Observe how electrons create colored light in a hydrogen gas discharge tube. Can you figure out why hydrogen's emission spectrum contains more than one color of...
University of Colorado
University of Colorado: Physics 2000: Spectral Lines
Several pages from an excellent site which describe the science of spectroscopy. The unique atomic emission (and absorption) line spectrum of elements are illustrated and explained. Includes a Java applet depicting the quantum energy...
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Blue Skies and Red Sunsets
This high school resource shows how the blue of the skies and the red of the sunsets can be explained by the interaction of sunlight with atmospheric particles which causes scattering of light.
Oklahoma Mesonet
Oklahoma Climatological Survey: Overview of Radiation
This site details what radiation is, the physics of radiation, and radiative transfer as it occurs in nature. Content explores the electromagnetic spectrum, electromagnetic waves, properties of radiation, and solar radiation.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Earth's Albedo and Global Warming
In this interactive activity adapted from NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey, learn about Earth's albedo (the ratio of reflected vs. incident solar radiation), how pollution alters albedo, and how ice-albedo feedback may accelerate...
Alberta Online Encyclopedia
Alberta Online Encyclopedia: Photosynthesis
In this encyclopedia entry, you will find concise text explaining photosynthesis supplemented by a very detailed diagram of the process.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Do Different Colors Absorb Heat Better?
Students test whether the color of a material affects how much heat it absorbs. Students will place an ice cube in a box made of colored paper (one box per color; white, yellow, red and black), which they will place in the sun. The...
Arizona State University
Asu: Introduction to Photosynthesis and Its Applications
This extremely detailed article begins with a basic introduction of photosynthetic processes and expands to more complex applications and related scientific ideas.
University of Illinois
University of Illinois: The Photosynthetic Process
Site describes process of photosynthesis, including role of pigment molecules, electron transport, ATP synthesis, and carbohydrate synthesis. Includes links to illustrative graphics.