Lesson Plan

Diffraction Demystified

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

Study diffraction patterns using CDs and DVDs! Scholars measure the diffraction patterns of a light wave as it hits a CD or DVD. Using the information, they can measure the distance between the tracks. 

4 Views 4 Downloads NGSS: Designed
Additional Tags
Instructional Ideas
  • Create an interdisciplinary lesson by writing and graphing functions that model the light waves
Classroom Considerations
  • Expects a solid understanding of the characteristics of a wave
  • Requires a specific set of lab materials and time for set up
Pros
  • Provides a series of activities to build an understanding of diffraction patterns
  • Includes student handouts to guide the investigations and record results
Cons
  • None