Curated OER
Electromagnetic Energy and Its Spectrum
Your older elementary students investigate electromagnetic energy and the electromagnetic spectrum. They will observe 7 items represented in the electromagnetic spectrum and make a poster of all the things the items have in common. After...
Physics Classroom
A Critical Lab
Physics lab groups finagle with laser lights to determine the critical angle of refraction for both water and Lucite. Because there are no detailed steps or an answer key for this enlightening exercise, an inexperienced physics...
Curated OER
Keeping Warm When it is Cold: How does a polar bear keep warm?
Young scholars make a model of a polar bear and discuss why fur/skin color is important. They also perform a simple experiment using black and white socks to determine how color affects temperature.
Curated OER
Polarized Light
Students examine polarized light and that it can be done through reflection. In this reflection lesson students develop a model that accounts for differences in light behavior.
Curated OER
Stations of Light
Student groups rotate through four stations to examine light energy behavior: refraction, magnification, prisms and polarization. They see how a beam of light is refracted (bent) through various transparent mediums. Students investigate...
Curated OER
Diffraction of Laser Light, Polarization and Color Filters
Students investigate light behavior by conducting a series of experiments. In this physics lesson, students calculate the wavelength of the light source using an equation. They determine what color is produced when light of different...
Curated OER
Polarized Light
Students study polarized light and explain how they know it is polarized. In this polarized light instructional activity students complete a lab that shows them how light can be polarized.
Curated OER
Polar Energy
Students define and read an article on polar energy. In this polar energy activity, students answer questions about the article. Students participate in activities related to isotopes, half-life and radiocarbon. Students make global...
Curated OER
Investigation of Polarized Light
Students investigate how polorizers filter light. In this physics lesson, students record their data and plot their results using a computer logging software. They discuss practical applications of polarization.
Curated OER
Changing Planet: Black Carbon - a Dusty Situation
Introduce your young meteorologists to black carbon produced by the burning of fossil fuels by showing the video, "Changing Planet: Black Carbon." Viewers discover that deposition of this carbon on polar ice impacts the absorption of...
Curated OER
Polarization
Eighth graders study the basic facts of polarization. In this light waves lesson students demonstrate some activities illustrating interference patterns.
Curated OER
How Do The Colors of Light Mix?
Learners investigate the mixing of light. They form a hypotheses to reason why color changes occur and they write conclusions and ask new questions arising from the investigation. Students identify the primary and complementary colors of...
Curated OER
Polarization Of Light
Students discover that polarization filters block incoming light from passing through when filters are positioned perpendicularly to each other. They explore some of the uses of polarization filters within our society.
Curated OER
Investigation of Crystallinity in Polymeric Materials
A kaleidoscope is constructed using polarizing polymer paper and then low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, and polypropylene are all melted onto individual glass slides and examined through a microscope. The intent is to...
Curated OER
Chloroplasts
Young scholars study chloroplasts, their structure and evolution. In this photosynthesis lesson plan students experiment with polarized light and the production of chlorophyll.
Curated OER
Twisted Vision
Students investigate the vision adaptations in marine animals in their environments. In this life science lesson, students use polarized filters and make observations. Students explain how the adaptation of polarized vision is an...
Curated OER
Physical Optics: The Wave Nature of Light
Students are introduced to the wave nature of light. In groups, they discuss Young's experiment and how diffraction and interference demonstrate the wave nature of light. Using examples, they show constructive and destructive...
Curated OER
Using Photovoltaic Cells and Systems
This interesting document suggests nine different activities for shedding light on photovoltaic cells. A bit of background information is furnished for you, as well as many, many resource links. Listed for each activity are a learning...
Curated OER
Twisted Vision
Students explain polarization vision and why some animals have it while others do not. They examine the reasons why it would be helpful for marine organisms to have polarized light.
EngageNY
Complex Numbers and Transformations
Your learners combine their knowledge of real and imaginary numbers and matrices in an activity containing thirty lessons, two assessments (mid-module and end module), and their corresponding rubrics. Centered on complex numbers and...
Curated OER
Transmitter Hunt
Students experiment with radio transmitters. In this transmission of waves lesson, students use an FM radio, an attenuate, and the frequency to locate a radio transmitter. Students discuss outcomes.
Curated OER
The Connection Between Pigment and Light Colors
Students learn the procedure for mixing secondary colors from primary pigments and observe the results of mixing two primary colors.
Curated OER
Is It Hot in the Light?
Third graders make observations about the temperature of items in direct sunlight. In groups, they discuss why asphalt, brick and cement are warmer than items surrounding them. To end the lesson, they examine how heat transfers energy...
Curated OER
Don't Marry the Mole!
Third graders examine the power of solar energy. In groups, they create their own pizza box solar oven to discover the power of the sun and how it is a source for heat and light. To end the instructional activity, they use the internet...