Lesson Plan
Curated OER

X-ray Spectroscopy and the Chemistry of Supernova Remnants

For Teachers 9th - 12th
This link takes you to a comprehensive unit that delves into emission spectra and supernovas. There are four parts: How and where elements are created, electromagnetic radiation, spectroscopy, and the newest technology for studying our...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How Big Is That Star?

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Aspiring astronomers study stars. They compare stars and explain the relationship between radius, mass, and diameter. By creating a star simulation, they discover how a binary star system's orbit can cause changes in the observed...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Electromagnetic Radiation

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers explore the nature of electromagnetic spectrum through a series of experiments. For this physics lesson, students determine how light behaves under certain circumstances. They explain how humans perceive colors.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Radiation Reassessed

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Students investigate the dangers of radiation by exploring recent nuclear tragedies.  In this scientific debate lesson, students define the idea of radiation "half life" and determine if low doses of radiation are truly damaging to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

An Overview of Solar Radiation

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students examine the Stefan-Boltzmann Law. Students compute basic radiative "constants" of the sun-Earth-atomosphere system. They examine the wavelength of maximum radiation emission.
Lesson Plan
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How Does Radiation Affect You?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students identify the use and misuse of radiation. They examine human activities that add to the exposure of radiation. They also discover how it can be useful in saving lives.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Chemical Sleuthing

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students engage in a lesson which includes flame tests and the construction of a simple diffraction spectrograph with which to measure sodium ion emissions. They use the Bragg equation to compute the wavelength of the line spectra produced.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Teaching Biology Through Problem-based Activities

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students plant seeds and observe the life cycle of the organism. They experimentally research the effects of radiation on seed growth. Students determine the effects of environmental pollutants on harvested seed.
Lesson Plan
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Check Out Lights and Shields with Beads

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students explore Ultraviolet detecting beads and conduct several investigations with them.  In this investigative instructional activity students participate in an experiment to see the harmful effects of UV light and discuss their...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Electromagnetic Energy and Its Spectrum

For Teachers 5th - 8th
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...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Determining Red-Shift in a Receding Star

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students practice manipulating algebra formulas with more than one variable. They examine the topics of velocity, wavelength and frequency. They determine the amount of red-shift in a receding star.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Is There Life Before 121?

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students observe microbial growth in the lab. In this biology lesson plan, students determine the conditions suitable for bacterial growth. They explain the methods of sterilization and bioburden testing.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

SURVIVING A COSMIC INVASION

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students read periodicals relating to radioacitivity and interpret a Geiger Counter. They work in small groups, share information and help each other explain the Geiger Counter. They discover the relationship distance to...