Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Light Waves and Color: The Path Difference
After looking at a representative two-point source interference pattern with accompanying order numbers, students investigate the rationale behind the numbering system, and develop some mathematical equations that relate the features of...
Scholastic
Scholastic: Study Jams! Science: Energy, Light and Sound: Light
A video and a short quiz on the basic concepts and vocabulary for understanding light energy.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Wavelength
Understand the method used to measure wavelength and how light waves are associated with colors based on wavelength.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Sound and Light
The Sound and Light unit provides students with an understanding of sound and light waves through the theme of the "Sunken Treasure," a continuous story line throughout the lessons. In Lessons 1-5, students learn about sound, and in...
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Light
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] In the following tutorial students will describe the relationships between speed, wavelength, and frequency of light. They will understand the photoelectric effect...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Exploring Light: Absorb, Reflect, Transmit or Refract?
In a hands-on way, students explore light's properties of absorption, reflection, transmission and refraction through various experimental stations within the classroom. To understand absorption, reflection and transmission, they shine...
Space Telescope Science Institute
Amazing Space: Star Light, Star Bright
An online exploration where students learn the basics about light and the properties of waves and the electromagnetic spectrum. Students will also learn how to measure wavelength and frequency so they can understand the electromagnetic...
Florida State University
Florida State University: Molecular Expressions: Refraction of Light
Manipulate the incident angle, color of light, wavelength, and medium to see how the refracted angle is affected.
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Light Waves/color: Two Point Source Interference Pattern
Students investigate the underlying causes of two-point source interference pattern. They also discover that the spatial separation between the antinodal and nodal lines in the pattern is related to the wavelength of the waves.
South Carolina Educational Television
Etv: Nasa Online: Light: Scattering Light
An introduction to the concept of the visible light spectrum provided in an animated format.
Space Telescope Science Institute
Amazing Space: Star Light Star Bright
A few short, interactive activities on light waves can be found on this site. Numerous others links and teacher resources are posted here as well. A good background on light is offered for teachers.
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Light Waves/color: Electromagnetic and Visible Spectra
This illustrated physics tutorial explains the electromagnetic and visible spectra of light using illustrated examples and interactive practice problems.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: How Can We Measure the Wavelength of Light Emitted From Stars?
This activity is designed for learners to apply their knowledge of mathematics and physics to "real life" situations. Students are presented with the situation that they are on a camping trip and wish to know the wavelength emitted by a...
Physics Aviary
Physics Aviary: Radiant Emissions Lab
This lab is designed to allow students to look at the relative proportions of different wavelengths of light that are emitted by stars at different temperatures.
Physics Aviary
Physics Aviary: Wavelength Lab
This lab is designed to have students investigate the relationship between the speed of a wave, the frequency of the wave and the wavelength of the wave. Students can vary wave speed and frequency. Each of these should be varied while...
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Plix: Wavelengths
[Free Registration/Login Required] In this interactive you will drag the red line left or right to explore how color and wavelength are related to each other. You will need a sign-in to access this media, but it will be well worth your...
Utah Education Network
Uen: Wavelength and Energy
Students will calculate energy, frequency, or wavelength. After calculating, students graph their data and answer analysis questions.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12 Exploration Series: Simulations: Physics: Light Wave
[Free Registration/Login Required] Are there colors we don't see? This simulation addresses that question by exploring light as an electromagnetic wave. Learn how the electromagnetic wave relates its wavelength and frequency to the...
Discovery Education
Discovery Education: 3 M Young Scientist Lab: Triboluminescence
Detectable flashes of light are released as wintergreen-flavored candies are crushed in darkness.
Science Struck
Science Struck: Wavelength of Light
Describes the characteristics of light, presents two formulas for calculating its wavelength, and provides a table of the different wavelength ranges across the electromagnetic spectrum.
Mocomi & Anibrain Digital Technologies
Mocomi: What Is Scattering of Light?
Do you know why the sky is blue? Article defines scattering and how it works. Explains the difference between the scattering of light and reflection or refraction.
Physics Aviary
Physics Aviary: Practice Problems: Light From Atom
Determine the wavelength, in nanometers, of light emitted from an atom.
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Berkeley Lab: The Particle Adventure: Wavelength, the Cave
This analogy story explains the manner in which the wavelength of light affects the maximum resolution of a microscope.
BBC
Bbc: Gcse Bitesize: Why Do Scientists Think That Light and Sound Are Waves?
Light travels as transverse waves and can travel through a vacuum. Sound travels as longitudinal waves and needs to travel through a solid, liquid or gas. Read about the properties of light and of sound, and learn the differences between...