American Chemical Society
Isolation of Phytochrome
Why do soybean plants that are planted weeks apart in the spring mature simultaneously in the fall? Four independent activities cover the history of phytochrome research, scientist collaboration, the electromagnetic spectrum, and...
Science 4 Inquiry
It's Not All Visible
Electromagnetic waves travel though empty space, something no other wave type can accomplish. Young scientists learn more about the entire spectrum of electromagnetic waves. They sort cards and apply their knowledge to create models of...
Curated OER
Electromagnetic Spectrum/Spectroscopy
Students examine the electromagnetic spectrum and demonstrate the elements within. In this investigative lesson plan students complete a demonstration and calculate the energy of a photon.
Curated OER
Making Waves with the Electromagnetic Spectrum
Students explore various types of electromagnetic waves, the range of the spectrum, and common sources of electromagnetic waves.
Curated OER
Planetary Diversity
Students explore the infrared radiation and the part of the spectrum that is not always visible. In this electromagnetic instructional activity students complete a lab activity on the different wavelengths.
Curated OER
Starlight
An introductory exploration of the nature of light is provided via activities and demonstrations. Science superstars observe various light sources, learn how to apply inverse square law, and practice using a light meter. Follow-up...
Curated OER
Picture This!
Students compare and contrast different types of light on the electromagnetic spectrum. In this investigative lesson students create a photographic image that demonstrates the infrared, ultraviolet and polarization phenomena.
Curated OER
Remote Sensing
Ninth graders participate in a variety of activities designed to reinforce the concept of light and the electromagnetic spectrum. They research and analyze data from remotely sensed images. They present their findings in a PowerPoint...
Curated OER
Electromagnetic Radiation on Trial
Students examine general properties of electromagnetic waves, identify position of each type of radiation in spectrum, discuss methods used to detect and analyze waves, and analyze relation between specific wave properties and their...
Curated OER
Tools of Modern Astronomy
Learners describe the electromagnetic spectrum and astronomy. In this astronomy lesson students complete an activity, predict what will happen and complete a worksheet.
Curated OER
Understanding Light: Lesson 2 - The Electromagnetic Spectrum
Students investigate the Electromagnetic Spectrum and realize there is energy beyond visible light. They identify parts of the EM Spectrum.
Curated OER
Measuring the Wavelengths of Visible Light
Students demonstrate use of an Emission tube power supply, a diffraction grating, and a scientific calculator to determine the different wavelengths of light.
Curated OER
Gallery Walk Questions on Earth's Radiation Balance
Questions that can be used in a lesson on Earth's radiation balance are suggested in this resource. It is not a lesson plan, per se, but it is a list of questions for stations within a "Gallery Walk" lesson. The link to how Gallery Walks...
Curated OER
Light It Up
Students study day-lighting and other types of light bulbs that are used for energy efficiency. In this engineering lesson students study the light bulb parts and the light wavelength.
University of Colorado
Designing an Open Spectrograph
Take the class over the rainbow. Pairs or small groups follow directions to create a spectrograph. The pupils measure the angles formed by the different colors of the spectrum along with calculating the lengths formed by the spectrum and...
Curated OER
Differential Thermal Calorimetry
Students access prior knowledge of infrared rays, ultraviolet rays, gamma rays, x-rays and cosmic waves. In this electromagnetic waves lesson, students hold a mock trial electromagnetic spectrum. Students present characteristics of the...
Curated OER
Applied Science - Technology (5A) Lab
Fifth graders explore electromagnetic waves and light. In this light lesson, 5th graders draw the parts of a wave of the electromagnetic spectrum. They compare a flashlight to a laser to see how the light looks when shined through...
University of Texas
Multi-wavelength Astronomy
Explore a land far, far away with a well-designed lesson that examines electromagnetic imaging as a way to obtain information about galactic structures. Learners begin to see the importance of looking beyond the visual spectrum to reveal...
NASA
What's the Frequency, Roy G. Biv?
While all light travels at the same speed, each color in the visible light spectrum contains a different wavelength and frequency. Scholars determine the relationship between frequency and wavelength as they complete the activity. They...
Curated OER
Electromagnetic Spectrum
Sixth graders observe light being separated into a color spectrum. In this electromagnetic lesson students use a diffraction grating to separate light and compare light sources.
University of Colorado
Designing a Spectroscopy Mission
Design a mission over the rainbow. Small groups spend several weeks together determining a mission related to spectroscopy. The teams build spectrographs and analyze the design to determine whether it will carry out the mission. At the...
Cornell University
Sometimes You Behave Like a WAVE, Sometimes You Don't!
Electromagnetic radiation behaves like both a wave and a particle. Help classes explore this concept through a lab investigation. Young scientists create optical interference patterns on a glass slide using a carbon layer. They analyze...
Curated OER
Electromagnetic Energy and Its Spectrum
Young scholars explain how electromagnetic radiation travel in space. In this physics lesson, students design and implement an experiment to reduce UV exposure. They discuss and share their findings in class.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Light Is
Students explore the properties of light. In this light instructional activity, students investigate visible light by viewing a website, examining an electromagnetic spectrum chart, and observing light demonstrations. Students write...