Colorado State University
Why Are Compact Fluorescent Bulbs More Efficient?
Compact fluorescent bulbs are the easiest way to increase energy efficiency around the house. But why? Science scholars compare CF bulbs with their incandescent counterparts using a simple test. A solar-powered toy illuminates the...
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Color Recognition
Students envision how space observatories make use of monochromatic filters to collect data on the color of objects in space. They see the actual colors of objects when they are in monochromatic light.
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Mix It Up : Colors
Fifth graders make predictions of the resulting colors when colors are mixed. In this colors lesson, 5th graders discuss vocabulary related to mixing colors. Students are asked to paint a picture of five colors from two colors of...
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Color and Spectrum
Students examine the spectra of light sources that have similar colors. In this light lesson students complete an activity using various lights in the classroom and discuss the colors and the heat generated.
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Let the Sunshine in
Learners collect and analyze data to study wavelengths of visible light. They cover Styrofoam cups with three different colors of sun filtering products and shine a lamp directly on the cups. They determine the most effective filtering...
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Twisted Vision
Learners investigate the vision adaptations in marine animals in their environments. In this life science instructional activity, students use polarized filters and make observations. Learners explain how the adaptation of polarized...
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Snowflakes
Students use their listening skills in order to follow diretions to create a paper snowflake. They listen as the directions are read, use their scissors and create a snowflake using a cofffee filter. Students practice using their fine...
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Newton's Color Wheels
Students investigate the effects of light while experimenting with several color wheels. They make observations and record them. The information from the observations is used to help fuel the discussion that follows. The lesson includes...
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Examining Spectra
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...
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Generate a Calibration Curve for Chlorophyll a
Students measure and graph the absorbance of light by chlorophyll at a specific wavelength versus chlorophyll concentration. They are given an unknown and determine its concentration from their calibration curve. Students become familiar...
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To See or Not to See
Students identify and discuss key factors that determine how effective color camouflage is in certain habitats. For this investigative lesson students divide into groups and study light.
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Diversity And Adaptations Of Organisms
Seventh graders investigate how organisms respond to environmental stimuli through their behavior. They observe how plants and animals respond to varying amounts of light, water and gravity.
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DNA Extraction
Students participate in a lab activity in which they extract DNA from a strawberry. After mashing the strawberry into an even, smooth puree inside a bag, they add extraction buffer and mix the strawberry with the buffer. They filter...
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Invisible Rays
Students explore physical science by completing a lab assignment. In this sunlight instructional activity, students define a list of scientific vocabulary terms and complete fill in the blank questions. Students conduct a photographic...
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Snow Goggles And Limiting Sunlight
Students investigate the effects of light radiation on the human eyes. They construct a pair of snow goggles that are used to see how a filter can protect the eyes from radiation. Then students explain how the scientific method can be...
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Underwater Vision
Students use colored lights and fabric to study an underwater ocean scene. In this light study lesson, students draw a picture using colored markers and hypothesize what their drawing will look like using filters. Students study fabric...
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Photometry
Students examine blackbody radiation and light wavelengths. Students research the various types of electromagnetic spectrum. Students examine any misconceptions they may have in light.
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Gonna Take a Sedimentary Journey
Students collect water samples from a local source, test it, filter it and identify the materials suspended in it. Students disucss the possible sources of sediment in their watershed.
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Scavenger Hunt
Learners study a research telescope to obtain quantitative information about these objects. They use the SkyServer Navigation Tool to identify objects and record celestial coordinates. In addition, they associate star brightness and...
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Clean Air
Students observe gas molecules in the atmosphere absorbing the light that goes through them.
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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.
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Colors: Primary and Secondary
Students explore primary and secondary colors. In this lesson on light and color, students complete four different activities which include mixing colors, creating secondary colors from primary colors and observing the colors in a bubble.
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Microscopes and Crystals
High schoolers observe crystals under the microscope. In this science lesson, students compare how the crystal look like using their eyes, hand lens and microscope. They identify the type of crystal based on the amount of light they...
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Overhead Spectroscopy
Students explore the relevance and importance of data collection and analysis techniques that use different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. They observe the basic concepts of the visible electromagnetic spectrum and the...