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...

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...

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...

Use a container full of water as a prism and show that as light is bent, the individual colors from different wavelengths become visible. This explains why the sky appears to be blue midday, and why as the sun nears the horizon, it looks...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

Students observe a demonstration of light refraction. They experiment with disappearing crystals to further study light refraction.

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.

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...

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...

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...

Though this is meant to be second in a two-part lesson plan, 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...

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...

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.

Which sports drink provides the best pick-me-up after the big game or grueling workout? It may not be the one you'd think! Food science is the focus in a surprising lab activity. Pupils use colorimetry to determine the amount of protein,...

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.

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...

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...

Utilizing computer software, learners demonstrate the color spectrum. They investigate the life of the artist Piet Mondrian and define his style of artwork. Then they use Photoshop to recreate some of his designs while discovering the...

Students access prior knowledge of infrared rays, ultraviolet rays, gamma rays, x-rays and cosmic waves. In this electromagnetic waves instructional activity, students hold a mock trial electromagnetic spectrum. Students present...

Learners describe how the sun heats the Earth, explain the nature of infrared light, explain how thunderstorms are formed and use infrared maps to predict severe weather.

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.