Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What Role Does Light Play Within the Vision Process?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Pupils are introduced to the relationship between light and vision. In groups, they participate in experiments to discover how different wavelengths are divided in the visible spectrum. They record their answers and discuss their...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

"Why Is the Sky Blue?"

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students investigate why the sky is blue and the sunset is red. They are asked why do you think that we see the sky as blue? Students write a hypothesis on their "Blue Sky Lab Sheet". They explain why they think that the sky is blue...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Ocean Water and Life

For Students 7th - 9th
In this ocean water and life worksheet, students match the vocabulary term with the correct definition. Also, students answer questions by deciding if the statements are true or false. Finally, students complete concepts maps while using...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Chemistry 301

For Students 10th - Higher Ed
In this chemistry 301 worksheet, students answer questions as it relates to the electron configuration of given elements. Students use the periodic table to assist in their interpretation of the questions provided.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

To See or Not to See

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars identify and discuss key factors that determine how effective color camouflage is in certain habitats.  In this investigative lesson students divide into groups and study light. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Electromagnetic Spectrum

For Teachers 6th
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. 
Lab Resource
Colorado State University

Why Are Clouds White?

For Teachers 6th - 12th Standards
Is it possible to change the color of clouds? A three-part activity explores the scattering of light by the water droplets that make up clouds. After observing a demonstration, curious scholars conduct their own investigations of the...
Lesson Plan
Cornell University

Resolution—Not Just for the New Year

For Students 11th - 12th
Experiment with optical resolution using an inquiry-based lesson. Young researchers calculate fellow classmates' optical resolutions. They apply the information to understand the inner workings of optical instruments.
Lesson Plan
National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network

Jell-O® Waveguide and Power Loss

For Teachers 7th - 12th
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...
Lesson Plan
Cornell University

Spectral Analysis with DVDs and CDs

For Students 9th - 12th
Build a spectrometer to analyze properties of light. Scholars examine the spectrum from CDs and DVDs from two different light sources. Using the spectrum, they work to identify different elements.
Lab Resource
Colorado State University

Why Does it Get Colder on a Clear Night than a Cloudy Night?

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Clouds are nature's insulator! A lab investigation asks learners to use an infrared thermometer to measure differences in infrared temperatures. They find that pointing the thermometer at a cloud has a much different result than pointing...
Activity
International Technology Education Association

Singin' the Black and Blues

For Students 5th - 9th
How does the color of the sky change from blue to reds and oranges to black? An illuminating lesson explains how light travels through different mediums using the sun's light as an example. By examining diagrams and illustrations, pupils...
Lab Resource
Colorado State University

Can You See Beyond the Rainbow?

For Teachers 6th - 12th
There's more to light than ROYGBIV! An enlightening laboratory investigation has learners explore the world of infrared light. When they use goggles that take away visible light, they experience how things look with only infrared light.
Lesson Plan
PHET

AM Radio Ionosphere Station

For Teachers 6th - 8th Standards
Tune in! Young scientists use an AM radio at home to monitor solar output. The long-term project would be ideal in a flipped classroom or as an out-of-class project. 
eBook
Rice University

College Physics for AP® Courses

For Students 9th - Higher Ed
Take a look at an organized physics course. The 34-section electronic textbook covers material in AP® Physics 1 and 2. Teachers use the text to supplement lectures and have the class work through the labs. Each section contains...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Transmitter Hunt

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Students experiment with radio transmitters. In this transmission of waves lesson, students use an FM radio, an attenuate, and the frequency to locate a radio transmitter. Students discuss outcomes. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Electromagnetic Spectrum

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students define electromagnetic radiation, list major categories and uses of electromagnetic waves, identify potential health risks with electromagnetic waves, and demonstrate understanding of Plank's constant by solving quantitative...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Volcano's Deadly Warning

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Learners view a video clip on volcanoes. They work together to discover the concept of sine waves. They plot points on a chart and connect them to create the complex wave. They answer questions to complete the lesson.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Making Light of Science

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students investigate the electromagnetic spectrum, focusing on visible light. They are introduced to the idea that all light travels as waves, and that wavelength defines the various regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Unit Plan
Curated OER

The Motions of the Oceans

For Teachers 6th
Students examine the topics of ocean waves, currents, and tides. They locate and label ocean currents on a world map, conduct experiments, analyze key vocabulary, view demonstrations and record the data, and complete handouts.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Electromagnetic Radiation on Trial

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers 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...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Color

For Students 9th - 12th
In this color worksheet, learners read about light, prisms, the RGB model and the CMYK model. Students match colors with their definition, they draw the color chart, they apply the RGB and CMYK models to make colors and they interpret...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Practical Illustrations of Astronomical Concepts Relating to the Solar System

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders are introduced to concepts related to the Solar System. In groups, they participate in an experiment in which they must describe a ray of light and how it travels. They draw a diagram of the electromagnetic spectrum and...
Activity
International Technology Education Association

Make a Pinhole Camera

For Teachers 7th - 12th
With a little light and a lot of time, you can create some amazing images. This NASA-related task instructs pupils to build a pinhole camera. The lesson provides suggestions for different pictures to try with the pinhole camera...