Curated OER
Color of Stars
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...
Curated OER
Fluorescence
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...
Curated OER
Electromagnetic Energy and Its Spectrum
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...
Curated OER
Can You See the Light?
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...
Curated OER
The Color Spectrum: How Does it Work?
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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The Effects of Light and Temperature on the Growth and Development of Plants
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...
Curated OER
Check Out Lights and Shields with Beads
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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Incandescent Light Bulb
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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What's the Frequency, Roy G. Biv?
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...
Curated OER
Daily and Seasonal Cycles
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...
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...
Curated OER
Color and Light Spectrum Demonstrations
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...
PBS
Blow the Roof Off!
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...
Curated OER
Light & Colors
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.
Curated OER
Nanoscience and Sunscreen
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.
Curated OER
Supernova Chemistry
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...
Curated OER
Physical Science: Dying for a Tan?
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...
Curated OER
Luminous Efficacy (Efficiency)
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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Colorful Colorado
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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Lunar Lollipops
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.
Curated OER
What's Up?
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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Examining Spectra
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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It's All In The Surface: The Effects Of Color & Texture On The Ability Of A Surface To Absorb Solar Energy
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.
Curated OER
Mechanism of Our Eyes
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...