Curated OER
X-ray Spectroscopy and the Chemistry of Supernova Remnants
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...
Curated OER
4th Grade Science
In this physical science learning exercise, 4th graders complete multiple choice questions about force, simple machines, communication and more. Students complete 25 questions.
National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network
Jell-O® Waveguide and Power Loss
Jell-O® can help model the transmission of light through fiber optic cables. Young scientists use the jiggly dessert to make a waveguide to transmit a laser beam from one point to another. Their models help them learn the function...
NASA
Collecting Electromagnetic Radiation
Astronomy is literally over your head, but this lesson will explain how we study it. Young scientists make telescopes, calculate and compare the light gathering power of lenses, and simulate detection of infared radiation....
Messenger Education
Sensing the Invisible: The Herschel Experiment
The electromagnetic spectrum includes everything from very powerful gamma rays (which are used to treat cancer) to much weaker radio waves (which include microwaves). Through a hands-on activity, scholars explore the temperature...
Curated OER
Physics: Light and Sound
Young scholars explore the concepts of light waves and sound waves. In this physics lesson plan, students complete activities that require them to investigate how light and sound waves travel.
Curated OER
Reflection and Refraction
What is a prism? A place for light waves that commit minor refractions! The thorough resource includes three hands-on investigations covering light reflection and refraction; mirrors, lenses, and images; and optical systems. Subject...
Cornell University
Building a Compound Light Microscope
What better way to learn how to use a microscope than building your own? A lab investigation has scholars use lenses from magnifying glasses and sheets of cork to design their own compound microscopes. They calculate focal length...
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Mutations Are Changes in Genetic Information
A red delicious apple tree with a simple mutation means we now benefit from the existence of golden delicious apples. Learn how simple mutations change genetic information in DNA sequences. Using biographies, videos, and animations,...
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Some Types of Mutations Are Automatically Repaired
Does natural light damage or repair DNA? Learn the answer discover the scientists who researched the topic with an online interactive. Scholars read through an online animation presenting the content at their own pace. Then, they read...
CK-12 Foundation
Diamond Cut
How do jewelers tell the difference between diamonds, glass, and cubic zirconia? A sparkling simulation demonstrates how to use a ray of light to determine the substance and ideal shape for a diamond. Scholars control the material,...
Columbus City Schools
Earthly Waves
How did scientists discover what lies beneath the earth's surface? Dig a hole? X-ray vision? Guide your class through the types of seismic waves and how these waves helped shed light on Earth's many layers. The included resources provide...
Curated OER
What Wavelength Was That?
A combination of informative text, photos, and graphics comprise this sharp show on electromagnetic radiation. Some slides mention hands-on activities for demonstrating concepts, so if you want to include them you will need to figure out...
Wild BC
The Greenhouse Effect: The Role of CO2
Though this is meant to be second in a two-part lesson, the two are not dependent on each other. Pupils play the roles of visible light rays, light or dark surfaces, and carbon dioxide molecules. They interact and react according to...
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
Me And My Shadow
Students investigate the concept of a shadow. They design a tool to create shadows for an experiment. They make observations and record the size and shape of shadows. The lesson contains background information for the teacher to deliver...
Curated OER
Optics - The Study of Light
In this optics activity, students read about how light can reflect or refract and how lenses and mirrors work. Then students complete 13 matching, 27 fill in the blank, and 8 word problems.
Curated OER
HW Unit 10:7-Light
In this light worksheet, students answer twenty six questions about sound and light and how they both travel. They also answer questions about different types of waves in the electromagnetic spectrum such as radio waves, visible light,...
Curated OER
Light and Vision
Students explore how light affects vision. In this light lesson, students construct a shoe box model to represent an eye. Experiments are performed with various light sources. Students draw conclusions about how the eye works as they...
Curated OER
Applied Science - Physics Pre-Lab
Students describe the science of physics. In this Physics lesson plan, students observe examples of physics within their classroom. Students create a definition for physics.
Curated OER
Harmonic Motion and Light Review
In this harmonic motion and light worksheet, students review concepts such as identifying motion as harmonic, linear or wave motion, analyzing graphs of position vs. time and pendulum movement, answering questions about light and the...
Curated OER
Invisible Rays
Students explore physical science by completing a lab assignment. In this sunlight lesson, students define a list of scientific vocabulary terms and complete fill in the blank questions. Students conduct a photographic experiment in...
Curated OER
Light & Crystals
Young scholars observe a demonstration of light refraction. They experiment with disappearing crystals to further study light refraction.
Curated OER
Color Kaleidoscopes
Students construct kaleidoscopes to demonstrate how an image is multiplied by angled mirrors before light rays reach their eyes. They follow step-by-step directions to create a kaleidoscope, and draw illustrations of the repeating...