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Lesson Title: Making Use of the Electromagnetic Spectrum
Optics
Grade Levels: 4-6
Connection To Curriculum:
Science, Mathematics and
Technology
Teacher Prep Time: 1 hour
Lesson Time Needed: 2.5 hours
Complexity: Basic
Keywords: reflection, refraction,
diffraction, medium, passive detection,
waves, light, magnifier
Materials:
Sheet of 8.5" x 11" photosensitive paper
Transparent tape
Pencils
Scissors
Three 4" x 5" sheets of black poster board
12 flashlights
Two UV lights
One sheet each of red, blue and green colored gel
4" to 6" wide and 2" deep or larger containers to hold water
One box of food coloring
Ice cube tray
Small spoon
Bottle of tonic water or two sheets of white paper
Water
Marker
Transparent tape
Pencils
Scissors
Three 4" x 5" sheets of black poster board
12 flashlights
Two UV lights
One sheet each of red, blue and green colored gel
4" to 6" wide and 2" deep or larger containers to hold water
One box of food coloring
Ice cube tray
Small spoon
Bottle of tonic water or two sheets of white paper
Water
Marker
Description
This lesson guide integrates a pair of activities designed to demonstrate methods of using the electromagnetic spectrum to learn about our universe.
Objectives
Students will:
• Demonstrate methods of collecting electromagnetic energy.
• Compare levels of detail shown by using different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation.
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Lesson Guide Making Use of the EM Spectrum Lesson [80KB PDF file] |
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Lesson Activities and Sequence
The suggested sequence is to start with simple detection of light through passive sensing and then demonstrate the differences in knowledge gained by using different light sources.
- Amazing Rays
Students explore light and heat as different components of the sun’s energy using photo reactive paper as a passive sensor.
Keywords: reflection, refraction, diffraction, medium, passive detection, waves, light, magnifier - Investigating Ice Worlds
Students use various light sources to examine ice and understand how NASA studies planets and moons from space.
Keywords: spectrum, magnetic, electrons, color, light
National Standards:
National Science Education Standards, NSTA
Science as Inquiry
• Skills necessary to become independent inquirers about the natural world.
• An appreciation of "how we know" what we know in science.
Physical Science
• Light, heat, electricity and magnetism.
• Transfer of energy.
History and Nature of Science
• Science as a human endeavor.
Science as Inquiry
• Skills necessary to become independent inquirers about the natural world.
• An appreciation of "how we know" what we know in science.
Physical Science
• Light, heat, electricity and magnetism.
• Transfer of energy.
History and Nature of Science
• Science as a human endeavor.