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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Color of Stars

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students study the color of stars. In this astronomy based lesson, students observe the colors in an open flame and apply the information collected about color and temperature to the visible light emitting from the photosphere of various...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Fluorescence

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Here are some instructions for leading learners through a hands-on activity for investigating ultraviolet radiation. First, introduce them to light and refraction. Then introduce them to the electromagnetic spectrum. Finally, give...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Electromagnetic Energy and Its Spectrum

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Your older elementary students investigate electromagnetic energy and the electromagnetic spectrum. They will observe 7 items represented in the electromagnetic spectrum and make a poster of all the things the items have in common. After...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Can You See the Light?

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students investigate the transmission of light energy. In this light energy lesson, students observe bubbles using different colored filters and record their observations. They also look at a light source through various materials and...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Color Spectrum: How Does it Work?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Create models of the infrared, visible, and ultraviolet portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Working in small groups, your class can investigate metric conversions calculations. They will find the length of the waves in nanometers,...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Effects of Light and Temperature on the Growth and Development of Plants

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate the effects of light and temperature on plant growth and development. In this plant growth lesson plan, students use radish plants and cover them with different shades of green and red transparencies and observe...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Check Out Lights and Shields with Beads

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Young scholars explore Ultraviolet detecting beads and conduct several investigations with them.  In this investigative instructional activity students participate in an experiment to see the harmful effects of UV light and discuss...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Incandescent Light Bulb

For Teachers 5th - Higher Ed
Students study the history of the light bulb and how an incandescent light bulb works.  For this electricity lesson students complete several experiments on the light bulb.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What's the Frequency, Roy G. Biv?

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Introduce starting space scientists to the electromagnetic spectrum, expecially the portion of visible light. Teach them about wavelength and frequesncy. Then give them a roll of adding machine tape and a manila folder to make a...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Daily and Seasonal Cycles

For Teachers 1st
First graders identify the sun as a source of heat and light. They identify features of houses that help keep use sheltered and comfortable throughout daily and seasonal cycles. Students are told that summer is the best season to...
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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...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Color and Light Spectrum Demonstrations

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Students explore the light spectrum. The teacher uses holographic diffraction grafting film on an overhead to demonstrate the true nature of color. After observing a vivid rainbow, students recognize that white light is composed of all...
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Unit Plan
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PBS

Blow the Roof Off!

For Teachers 3rd - 8th Standards
Blow the minds of young scientists with this collection of inquiry-based investigations. Based on a series of eight videos, these "hands-on, minds-on" science lessons engage young learners in exploring a wide range of topics...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Light & Colors

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students identify the types of light on the visible spectrum. They identify relationships between angles and mirrors. They state how they use light in their everyday lives.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Nanoscience and Sunscreen

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students use the topic of sunscreen to explore the "issues related to size and scale" as energy and matter interact. They compare the visible opacity of different substances to their ability to block ultraviolet radiation.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Supernova Chemistry

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Using spectroscopes, high school astronomy, physics, or chemistry learners observe emission spectra from several different sources. This stellar NASA-produced lesson plan provides terrific teacher's notes and a student handout. Make sure...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Physical Science: Dying for a Tan?

For Teachers 1st - 5th
Students assess how much harm UV radiation can have on your skin and how much protection is provided by sunblock, sunglasses and clothing. They experiment with UV index numbers and the amount of exposure risk of skin damage for any given...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Luminous Efficacy (Efficiency)

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students examine the basics of luminous efficacy and why it is used.  In this light source instructional activity students test energy efficiency and the luminous efficiency for babies.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Colorful Colorado

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students investigate the components of white light as viewed through a prism. The multiple colors of the spectrum produced are related to wavelengths and experienced through the creation of a color wheel.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Lunar Lollipops

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Students work with a partner, Styrofoam ball and light source to simulate the positions of the Earth, Moon and Sun at various stages during the phases of the Moon. They describe why the Moon is visible from Earth and complete a worksheet.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What's Up?

For Teachers K - 2nd
Pupils compare and contrast the various heavenly bodies found in the sky at night. They identify the moon and stars in the sky as well as how the stars form pictures called constellations. Students also experiment with reflection and...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Examining Spectra

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars 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...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

It's All In The Surface: The Effects Of Color & Texture On The Ability Of A Surface To Absorb Solar Energy

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders examine how dark surfaces absorb more light than light surfaces. They perform an experiment that compares various surfaces abilities to absorb heat, then record and analyze the results.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mechanism of Our Eyes

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students study the eye as the organ of vision, They look at a drawing of the eyes and study the names of the parts. While working with a partner, they observe what happens when the lights are turned lower and lower. Finally, they look at...