Rainbows can teach us about the visible light spectrum. Learners observe multiple items that clearly display a rainbow to develop better connections. The lesson then explains wavelength using a rope to make waves.

Sixth graders examine how the sun's energy arrives as light with a range of wavelengths. They discuss the characteristics of light, examine the color of light using a spectroscope, and conduct an experiment using water and thermometers....

Third graders study the concept of light as an energy source.  For this energy lesson students participate in a lab that show them the concept of light as an energy source. 

In this emission spectra worksheet, students use a spectroscope to observe three types of spectra. These include continuous spectrum, emission spectrum and absorption spectrum.

In this mass spectrometer worksheet, students read about how a mass spectrometer determines the elements in gases around Earth. Students answer 3 questions and identify the elements in a graph found by a mass spectrometer.

Students examine the spectra with the use of light while constructing their own spectroscope. They make observations about the colors and visible wavelengths of light and then conduct classroom discussions. As an extension students read...

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...

Learners create spectral colors. In this hands-on science instructional activity, students examine the electromagnetic spectrum as they follow steps to create a model that separates and displays light.

Students observe and explore the characteristics of light.

Students explain how an element can be identified using emission spectra. They relate the emission spectrum of hydrogen to its absorption spectrum and identify hydrogen absorption lines in the spectrum of stars.

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...

Students make a spectroscope out of simple materials and are expected to view as many different light sources as possible to see the whole spectrum.

Students using a spectroscope view different substances when heated with electricity.

Pupils use two methods to show and study the colors in the visible spectrum.

Young scholars conduct a close examination of the atom's electrons, and discover how to theorize the energy levels, observe the brightness of light, classify colors, and measure temperature.

Students experience a model that produces, separating, and displaying spectral colors.

Students construct a simple spectroscope. They observe the emission spectrum produce by a source of light.

Students demonstrate how individual pieces of data combine to produce complete images.

Students will discuss the de Brogile Hypothesis and state the circumstances under which the wave nature of matter is observed. They will also calculate the wavelengths of matter waves.

Explains what diffraction and interference are, and what kinds of patterns are produced when light waves pass through a single slit, a double slit, or a diffraction grating. Includes three problems for students to try, with solutions...

This physics department site provides links about the diffraction of light. Each page includes thorough explanations and meaningful graphics. Some pages include interactive problem-solving practice sections.

Students create and decorate their own spectrographs using simple materials and holographic diffraction gratings. A holographic diffraction grating acts like a prism, showing the visual components of light. After building the...

This lab is designed to allow students to look at the factors affecting the angle at which constructive interference occurs for waves passing through a two slit diffraction grating. This video helps explain the problem:...

Students use simple materials to design an open spectrograph so they can calculate the angle light is bent when it passes through a holographic diffraction grating. A holographic diffraction grating acts like a prism, showing the visual...