What do quantum mechanics and global warming have to do with each other? More than you might think. Surprisingly, this video explains how it's not the energy emitted from the sun that causes the problem, but how the infrared radiation...

Make a class set of spectrum tubes by first purchasing some diffraction grating, and then constructing the tools with mailing tubes or shoe boxes. If you aren't up for assembling them, you could purchase prepared spectroscope kits. This...

Get an up-close-and personal look at the sun from the safety of your classroom with this fun science application. Offering numerous activities, images, and videos, the resource supports children of all ages as they learn about the sun.

Using a Maori legend, How Maui Tamed the Sun, youngsters are introduced to the importance of sunlight to civilization. Teach them about nuclear fusion that occurs to produce the solar energy we later receive on Earth as electromagnetic...

Uncover the science behind the beautiful phenomena of rainbows with a simple demonstration. Shine light through different-sized containers of water as young scientists learn that rainbows occur when visible light is split up into its...

Did you know that the visible light wavelengths comprise only one inch of the electromagnetic spectrum that extends over 2,000 miles? Yet even the visible spectrum provides so much information. The Hydrogen spectrum is illuminated as an...

Two types of radiation are discussed in this conversation between a professional and a preteen scientist. Solar rays and galactic cosmic rays are extremely powerful and need to be shielded against when astronauts travel in space....

At the end of a general physics course focused on light and electricity, you can administer this exam. Concepts covered include electromagnetism, circuits, induction, light rays, lenses and mirrors, characteristics of light, electron...

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...

Three separate worksheets are rolled into this resource. The first focuses on atomic structure. The second reviews the concept of molar mass. The third relates atomic structure to element light spectra. These are definitely aimed at high...

Illuminate your physics class with this examination of a photovoltaic cell. Teach the structure and operation of the device using a diagram. Then make a human-powered, larger-than-life sized model of a PV cell. Learners become electrons...

Here is a full-fledged investigation of light waves, the electromagnetic spectrum, and element spectra. Physicists research a scientist that contributed to our understanding of the behavior of light. They take notes on your lecture, and...

This short slide show applies the electromagnetic spectrum to astronomy. First, electromagnetic radiation is introduced to viewers. Wavelength is defined and its unit of measurement explained. Finally, aspiring astronomers find that the...

Two sequential parts to this lesson introduce your class to the electromagnetic spectrum, the ability to absorb radiant energy, and the pigments in leaves that are responsible for collecting sunlight to be used in the photosynthetic...

You could call this five presentations rolled into one resource! The first topic of concern is the characteristics of electromagnetic waves.The electromagnetic spectrum is examined next, followed by the behavior of light. Several slides...

"Thermal Radiation" is a straightforward assessment of future physicists' understanding of radiant energy. They write out answers to questions about wavelength and frequency, temperature relationships, absorption and emission. The...

Fire up your physics class by assigning a worksheet on heat transfer. They explain in words the differences among conduction, convection, and radiation. They reveal their knowledge of transfer rates, convection currents, and...

Somebody in the Nevada Joint Union High School District has a talent for focusing the important, organizational skills, and a creative eye for creating sharp science presentations! Here is one on heat transfer.  Conduction, convection,...

An introductory exploration of the nature of light is provided via activities and demonstrations. Science superstars observe various light sources, learn how to apply inverse square law, and practice using a light meter. Follow-up...

Get ready to spark interest in electromagnetic radiation! This resource shares nine indelible inquiries that you can choose from to ignite understanding of spectra and the relationship between light and heat. The assessments that follow...

In this light worksheet, students describe the electromagnetic spectrum based on wavelength and frequency. Students determine the wavelength, frequency, and energy for given point on the spectrum. This worksheet has 10 problems to solve.

Physics fanatics will light up over this mini-unit! Through a series of demonstrations, laboratory activities, and research reports, they learn the relationship between light and atoms, the behavior of waves, and the reason for element...

Questions that can be used in a lesson on Earth's radiation balance are suggested in this resource. It is not a lesson plan, per se, but it is a list of questions for stations within a "Gallery Walk" lesson. The link to how Gallery Walks...

Your physics students will really shine when they take this midterm exam. It covers a variety of concepts dealing with electromagnetic spectra, electricity, and motors and it provides a variety of question styles.