Light Teacher Resources

Careful, that light bulb is hot! Compare heat and light energy using a simple light bulb. The exercise addresses energy conservation and presents actual calculations to determine the most cost-effective light bulb.

The lesson allows young scientists to use lasers and mirrors to study reflected light. A reading passage and homework question assess learning, while additional material introduces extension activities. 

Don't shine like a diamond, refract light like a diamond. Young scientists use an acrylic block and a laser light to observe refraction. Advanced scholars figure the sine of the angles of reflection and incidence as well as mastering...

Let there be light. The last installment of a seven-part series has pupils conduct an experiment on light attenuation through different numbers of transparency sheets. They then relate the results back to how X-rays measure bone density.

What happens to the speed of light as it goes through a glass door? Light travels slower through glass than through air, but does the speed of light change or is it just our perception? The short video explains the speed of light as it...

A most ingenious paradox! Through animation, the video describes the question answered by the 2012 Nobel prize winners: how do we see light? The narrator guides learners through the difficult process of measuring photons without actually...

All this talk about seeing the light... but, what is it, and how do we see it? Science students learn the basics of the nature of light in a narrated video that discusses concepts such as how light behaves, the electromagnetic...

Look beyond the light! An engaging activity introduces young scholars to the application of a spectroscope. The lesson is the fifth in a series of six and focuses on the analysis of the elements of the sun.

Put those old holiday lights to good use. Individuals use a section of ornamental lights to create electric circuits. If the lights glow, it's a success; otherwise, it's time to try again!

Break down light into spectra. Scholars learn how atoms emit and absorb photons and come to understand how this process allows scientists to identify different atoms based on either absorption lines or emission lines. Learners then...

Explore the connection of light, reflection, and mirrors. A comprehensive lesson introduces the basics of light in relation to reflection and mirrors. After an explanation of the vocabulary, the presentation shows how to create ray...

Barbie, pink flowers, Pink Panther, pink pigs, pink clothes, and pink flamingos all have one thing in common — they really aren't pink because there is no such thing as pink light. So, what is the color we call pink? The short video...

Help your classes visualize light as a wave using an engaging video lesson. The 39th lesson of the Crash Course physics series highlights the characteristics of a light wave. The lesson continues by analyzing the behavior of waves...

Groups explore illumination with NASA's Lighting Environment Test Facility (LETF) as a context. Using the TI-Nspire app, groups determine the lux equation that models their simulation. They then use the lux equation to...

It's time to see the light  with a unit that focuses on light and geometric optics, including concave and convex mirrors. A variety of experiments, worksheets, and online activities are included. 

It only takes three colors. Using three-colored glow sticks, pupils observe what happens when colors of light mix together. Learners use the material from a red, green, and blue glow stick to mix together. By mixing small amount of the...

Step-by-step instructions for constructing a miniature traffic light make up this Picasa presentation. Directions are accompanied by high-quality photographs. This would make a worthy group project in an upper elementary or middle school...

In this electric light bulb worksheet, students answer short answer questions about an electric light bulb by pretending they are answering interview questions and they are the light bulb. Students complete 7 questions total.

In this light and optics activity, learners match the light and optics vocabulary with their definitions. Students match 21 words to their definitions.

Young scientists show the effects of light scattering by particles; which is similar to the scattering of light by volcanic aerosols. Groups of learners work together to conduct this simple, but illuminating demonstration. The follow-up...

Students investigate the concept of skin cancer and its relation to using tanning beds that expose people to artificial ultraviolet rays. They research the effects and look for ways to prevent the onset of skin cancer from the...

Students examine the relationship between solar activity and the Earth's geomagnetic field in producing the phenomena known as aurora borealis (Northern Lights) by reading and discussing "Earth, Wind and Fireworks." students graph data...

Students examine the realm and power of inventions, and recognize their impact on people and society. Small groups pretend to have been hired by Edison to make special posters that advertise the uses and benefits of the light bulb.

An average home produces twice as many emissions as an average car. Teach your class how to reduce energy consumption by replacing standard incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs. Perform an experiment to compare...